HVAC Technician at Howell'S Heating & Air Conditioning
at Howell'S Heating & Air Conditioning in Ashland, VA
About This Program
Howell's Heating & Air Conditioning sponsors a registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Ashland, VA. This employer-sponsored, non-union program offers a paid, structured entry point into the HVAC trade for individuals in the greater Richmond area and Hanover County, with apprentices earning wages from their first day on the job.
The apprenticeship runs 4 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with experienced technicians installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial HVAC systems throughout the area. Technical coursework covers refrigeration fundamentals, electrical theory, controls and thermostats, airflow and duct systems, EPA refrigerant certification, and workplace safety practices.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians. Ashland's location along the I-95 corridor between Richmond and Fredericksburg places program completers within easy reach of a wide and active employment market, with strong opportunities in residential service and commercial facility maintenance.
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.
How to Apply
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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