HVAC Technician at Pat Plumbing Heating and Air

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Pat Plumbing Heating and Air in Topeka, KS

About This Program

Pat Plumbing Heating and Air sponsors this non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Topeka, Kansas. This employer-sponsored, time-based program offers a fully paid training pathway for individuals who want to build a lasting career in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning trade.

The four-year program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working under experienced technicians, apprentices gain hands-on skills in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC systems for residential and commercial customers. Classroom instruction addresses refrigeration cycles, electrical theory, system controls, air distribution design, and applicable safety standards.

Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates achieve journey-level HVAC technician status, qualifying them to independently manage service, installation, and repair work. Topeka's steady residential and commercial construction activity supports ongoing demand for skilled HVAC technicians, giving graduates a solid footing for career advancement.

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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