HVAC Technician at McDonald HVAC Refrigeration Contracting Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at McDonald HVAC Refrigeration Contracting Inc. in New Egypt, NJ

About This Program

McDonald HVAC Refrigeration Contracting Inc., based in New Egypt, NJ, sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship through a non-union, employer-based program. Apprentices receive wages from day one, making it possible to enter the HVAC and refrigeration trade without taking on student debt.

The program spans four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working with McDonald's experienced technicians, apprentices develop skills in installing and servicing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems for residential and commercial clients. Technical instruction covers refrigeration theory, electrical fundamentals, system controls, diagnostics, load calculations, and safety and regulatory standards.

Graduates achieve journey-level HVAC technician status, qualified to work independently across HVAC and refrigeration applications. New Egypt's rural and suburban location in Plumstead Township places technicians within range of a wide service area throughout Ocean and Burlington counties.

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

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