HVAC Technician at J & S Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning (PHCC)

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at J & S Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning (PHCC) in Kalona, IA

About This Program

J & S Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, a PHCC-affiliated employer in Kalona, Iowa, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, earning income while gaining the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a career in the skilled trades.

This four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn HVAC system installation and repair, electrical troubleshooting, refrigerant handling and recovery, preventive maintenance, and code compliance — skills applicable to both residential homes and light commercial facilities.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with the training and experience employers expect. PHCC affiliation reinforces the program's commitment to professionalism and industry best practices, helping graduates stand out in Iowa's competitive HVAC job market.

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

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