HVAC Technician at Mid-Valley Hvac Jac
at Mid-Valley Hvac Jac in Salem, OR
About This Program
The Mid-Valley HVAC JAC sponsors this registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Salem, OR. This is a union-affiliated Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) program, offering apprentices the benefits of structured trade training combined with union representation. Apprentices are paid from the start, with wages that typically increase incrementally throughout the program.
The four-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience installing and servicing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems under the supervision of journey-level workers. Technical instruction covers refrigeration principles, electrical diagnostics, sheet metal and ductwork, system balancing, and relevant codes and safety standards.
Upon completion, graduates achieve journey-level status as HVAC technicians. Union membership connects completers to a network of signatory contractors in the Salem area and the broader Willamette Valley, providing access to competitive wages, benefits, and long-term career stability in the HVAC trade.
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.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Oregon
HVAC Technicians in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division – Mechanical Program.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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