HVAC Technician at Key Heating and Air Conditioning

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Key Heating and Air Conditioning in Exeter, NH

About This Program

Key Heating and Air Conditioning, located in Exeter, NH, sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship through a non-union, employer-based program. Apprentices are paid throughout their training, allowing them to develop trade skills and earn a livable income at the same time.

The program runs for four years, encompassing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work in the field with experienced technicians on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems serving residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire's Seacoast region. Related technical instruction covers refrigeration principles, electrical systems, HVAC controls, system diagnostics, load calculations, and safety and code standards.

Graduates of the program complete their apprenticeship as qualified journey-level HVAC technicians. Exeter and the surrounding Seacoast area offer strong, year-round demand for HVAC professionals, with opportunities in service, installation, and ongoing maintenance contracts.

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.

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

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

Licensing in New Hampshire

HVAC Technicians in New Hampshire are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – HVAC Licensing Board.

View full New Hampshirelicensing requirements →

Reviews

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

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.