HVAC Technician at Johnson HVACR & Foodservice Equipment
at Johnson HVACR & Foodservice Equipment in Pekin, IL
About This Program
Johnson HVACR & Foodservice Equipment, an employer-sponsored non-union program based in Pekin, Illinois, offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid from day one, with training that spans both HVAC systems and foodservice equipment — providing a broader technical foundation than many standard programs.
Over four years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers HVAC system installation, service, and repair; refrigeration systems common in commercial foodservice environments; electrical controls and diagnostics; refrigerant handling and EPA regulations; and safety and code compliance across multiple types of commercial and residential installations.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level HVAC technicians with experience that extends into foodservice equipment — a specialization that can expand employment options into restaurants, institutional kitchens, grocery, and food processing facilities throughout central Illinois.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.