HVAC Technician at Hotchkiss Heating & Air
at Hotchkiss Heating & Air in Missoula, MT
About This Program
Hotchkiss Heating & Air, based in Missoula, MT, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid throughout the program and receive direct, hands-on training from experienced HVAC professionals serving residential and commercial customers in western Montana.
The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers refrigeration theory, electrical fundamentals, heating and cooling system installation, duct systems, system controls, fault diagnosis, preventive maintenance, and EPA refrigerant handling standards. Classroom instruction provides the technical knowledge to support daily fieldwork alongside seasoned technicians.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians qualified to perform the full range of installation, maintenance, and repair work independently. Missoula's growing population and varied climate support strong and consistent demand for skilled HVAC professionals, making this an excellent time to enter the trade through Hotchkiss Heating & Air.
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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