HVAC Technician at Irwin HVAC Services
at Irwin HVAC Services in Leeds, AL
About This Program
Irwin HVAC Services sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Leeds, Alabama, located in the greater Birmingham metropolitan area. This non-union, employer-sponsored program offers a practical and fully paid route into the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning trade for individuals in Jefferson and St. Clair counties. Apprentices earn wages while they train, eliminating the financial burden often associated with technical education.
Spanning four years, the program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn the full range of HVAC technician duties, including system installation, troubleshooting, seasonal maintenance, and equipment repair. Coursework covers refrigerants and EPA compliance, electrical systems, airflow and duct design, and heating system fundamentals.
Completing the apprenticeship prepares graduates to work independently as journey-level HVAC technicians. The Birmingham region's mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial development ensures consistent demand for skilled HVAC workers, and experience gained at a local company like Irwin HVAC Services translates directly into career-ready skills.
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 Alabama
HVAC Technicians in Alabama are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Alabama Mechanical Contractors Board.
View full Alabamalicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.