HVAC Technician at Joe & Matt's Plumbing and HVAC (PHCC)

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Joe & Matt's Plumbing and HVAC (PHCC) in Waukon, IA

About This Program

Joe & Matt's Plumbing and HVAC (PHCC) sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Waukon, Iowa. Affiliated with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, this non-union, employer-sponsored program offers a paid training pathway into the HVAC trade, with added exposure to plumbing systems in a rural northeast Iowa setting.

The four-year program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on plumbing and HVAC systems for residential and commercial customers, developing practical installation, service, and diagnostic skills. Technical instruction covers refrigeration fundamentals, heating systems, electrical wiring and controls, ductwork, system troubleshooting, and EPA refrigerant handling requirements.

Graduates are prepared for journey-level HVAC work and enter the field with cross-disciplinary experience in both HVAC and plumbing. The PHCC affiliation ensures training meets industry standards, and completers are well-positioned for long-term employment in the skilled trades throughout the region.

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

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.