HVAC Technician at JATC Plumbing, Pipe-Fitting & Refrigeration Industry of San Mateo County
at JATC Plumbing, Pipe-Fitting & Refrigeration Industry of San Mateo County in Burlingame, CA
About This Program
The JATC Plumbing, Pipe-Fitting & Refrigeration Industry of San Mateo County sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship based in Burlingame, California. This is a union Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program, meaning apprentices train under a collectively bargained framework with access to union wages, benefits, and signatory employers throughout San Mateo County and the broader San Francisco Bay Area. Apprentices are paid throughout the program.
The apprenticeship spans four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with union signatory contractors, alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction provided through the JATC. Apprentices develop expertise in plumbing, pipefitting, refrigeration, and HVAC systems on commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Technical coursework covers refrigerant systems, piping and mechanical installations, electrical controls, load calculations, and relevant California codes and safety regulations.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC and refrigeration fitters with union credentials recognized across the Bay Area trades. The JATC model provides strong employment connections and the backing of a union labor organization, making this program particularly attractive for those seeking competitive wages and comprehensive benefits in one of California's highest-cost and highest-demand skilled trades markets.
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.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in California
HVAC Technicians in California are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by California Contractors State License Board.
View full Californialicensing requirements →Reviews
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