HVAC Technician at Merz Plumbing, Heating, & Air-Conditioning, Inc.
at Merz Plumbing, Heating, & Air-Conditioning, Inc. in Leo, IN
About This Program
Merz Plumbing, Heating, & Air-Conditioning, Inc., an employer-sponsored non-union program based in Leo, Indiana, offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid throughout the program and work within a full-service plumbing and mechanical company, gaining exposure to a wide range of systems and project types.
This four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems; work with ductwork and ventilation; troubleshoot electrical components; handle refrigerants in compliance with EPA regulations; and meet applicable building codes for residential and commercial installations in Indiana.
Graduates earn journey-level status as HVAC technicians. Leo is located in northeast Indiana, near Fort Wayne, providing access to a solid regional market. Experience in a combined plumbing and HVAC environment can make graduates more versatile candidates for a variety of mechanical trade employers.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.