HVAC Technician at Kuenster Heating & Air (PHCC)
at Kuenster Heating & Air (PHCC) in Kalona, IA
About This Program
Kuenster Heating & Air, a PHCC-affiliated employer located in Kalona, IA, sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals ready to enter the heating and cooling trade. This non-union program offers paid training, allowing apprentices to earn a wage from their first day on the job while working toward a skilled trade credential.
The apprenticeship spans four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repair in both residential and light commercial settings. Technical coursework covers refrigerant handling, electrical fundamentals, heating and cooling equipment operation, system controls, and applicable safety codes.
Graduates complete the program as qualified HVAC technicians with the knowledge and experience to work independently in the field. Kuenster Heating & Air serves a close-knit rural community in the Washington County area, offering apprentices a stable, locally grounded career with opportunities to grow within the company.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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