HVAC Technician at Highland Refrigeration
at Highland Refrigeration in Seattle, WA
About This Program
Highland Refrigeration, based in Seattle, WA, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. With a background in refrigeration services, Highland Refrigeration provides apprentices with training that spans both HVAC and commercial refrigeration systems, offering a skill set relevant to Seattle's active commercial and food service sectors.
The four-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work hands-on with refrigeration and HVAC equipment, learning installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures. Technical instruction covers refrigerant handling and EPA certification, system controls, electrical theory, and diagnostic techniques applicable across a range of commercial and residential systems.
Graduates earn journey-level HVAC technician status and are well positioned to work across the diverse Seattle metropolitan job market. The city's large commercial building stock and food service industry create consistent demand for technicians with combined HVAC and refrigeration expertise.
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 Washington
HVAC Technicians in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.