HVAC Technician at Olsem Plumbing & Hvac (the Ceu Authority)
at Olsem Plumbing & Hvac (the Ceu Authority) in Carroll, IA
About This Program
Olsem Plumbing & HVAC, affiliated with The CEU Authority and based in Carroll, IA, sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship for individuals entering the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning field. This non-union, employer-sponsored program provides paid training from the very first day of the apprenticeship.
The program runs for four years and combines 8,000 hours of hands-on, on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside skilled technicians in both plumbing and HVAC environments, gaining experience with system installation, service, and repair in residential and commercial settings. Technical coursework covers refrigerant handling, electrical systems, heating and cooling equipment, ventilation design, and code compliance.
Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as skilled HVAC technicians. Olsem Plumbing & HVAC's combined trade environment provides apprentices with broader mechanical knowledge and versatility. Carroll and the surrounding west-central Iowa area offer steady demand for qualified HVAC and plumbing professionals, making this a strong foundation for a stable trade career.
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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