HVAC Technician at Old Dominion University - Maintenance/HVAC
at Old Dominion University - Maintenance/HVAC in Norfolk, VA
About This Program
Old Dominion University's Maintenance/HVAC department sponsors a registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Norfolk, VA. This employer-sponsored, non-union program offers a paid training pathway for individuals who want to develop HVAC skills within a university facilities management environment, working on a large and varied campus infrastructure.
The program runs 4 years and requires completion of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with the ODU facilities maintenance team, gaining experience with a broad range of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems across academic, administrative, and residential campus buildings. Technical coursework covers refrigeration systems, electrical fundamentals, building automation and controls, preventive maintenance practices, and environmental compliance.
Graduates earn journey-level HVAC technician credentials and are well-prepared for careers in facilities management, institutional maintenance, and commercial HVAC service. Experience maintaining complex systems on a major university campus is a strong differentiator in the job market.
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.
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
Trade School
Licensing in Virginia
HVAC Technicians in Virginia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors.
View full Virginialicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.