HVAC Technician at Dran’s Heating & Air Conditioning
at Dran’s Heating & Air Conditioning in Newport News, VA
About This Program
Dran's Heating & Air Conditioning offers a registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Newport News, VA. This non-union program provides a paid, structured training pathway for aspiring HVAC professionals in the Hampton Roads region. Apprentices begin earning wages from their first day on the job while building real-world technical skills.
The apprenticeship is 4 years long, consisting of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working under the supervision of experienced technicians, apprentices learn to install, diagnose, and service residential and commercial HVAC equipment. Coursework covers refrigeration fundamentals, electrical systems, airflow and ductwork, controls, and regulatory compliance including EPA refrigerant certification requirements.
Graduates of the program achieve journey-level HVAC technician status, a recognized credential in the skilled trades. Newport News and the broader Hampton Roads area offer strong employment prospects for credentialed HVAC technicians across residential, commercial, and government facility sectors.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
HVAC Technician Career Outlook
National Median
$25.95/hr
~$53,976/yr
Apprentice Start
$16/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
HVAC technician employment is projected to grow faster than average, driven by new construction, system replacements, and the transition to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. The push toward heat pumps and smart building systems is creating new specialization opportunities. Experienced technicians with strong troubleshooting skills are in high demand across all regions.
What to Expect as a HVAC Technician Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Virginia
HVAC Technicians in Virginia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors.
View full Virginialicensing requirements →Reviews
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