HVAC Technician at Heatcraft Refrigeration Products

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Heatcraft Refrigeration Products in Tifton, GA

About This Program

Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, based in Tifton, GA, sponsors this registered, non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid throughout the program while training in a manufacturing and technical environment with a company that is a recognized manufacturer of commercial refrigeration and HVAC equipment.

The four-year, time-based program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills relevant to HVAC and refrigeration systems, with exposure to equipment from a manufacturing perspective as well as service and technical applications. Instruction covers refrigeration principles, electrical systems, controls, load calculations, diagnostics, and EPA refrigerant handling standards.

Graduates complete the program prepared to work as journey-level HVAC technicians. Training with an industry manufacturer like Heatcraft offers apprentices deep product knowledge and technical skills that are valued across both commercial refrigeration and HVAC service sectors.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
Starting wage$16.00/hr
Journeyman wage$25.95/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Georgia

HVAC Technicians in Georgia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board.

View full Georgialicensing requirements →

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