HVAC Technician at Frew Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
at Frew Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA
About This Program
FREW PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC. sponsors this registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Pittsburgh, PA. This employer-sponsored, non-union program is a paid training opportunity for individuals looking to enter the HVAC and plumbing trade in one of Pennsylvania's largest markets. Apprentices receive compensation throughout the program, making it an affordable alternative to traditional trade schooling.
The apprenticeship runs for four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems under the supervision of experienced Frew technicians. Technical instruction covers refrigeration systems, electrical fundamentals, plumbing codes and practices, fuel gas piping, system diagnostics, and EPA refrigerant handling certification requirements.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with exposure to plumbing systems as well. This broader mechanical background enhances career versatility, and completers are well-positioned for employment in Pittsburgh's active residential and commercial service contracting sector.
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
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