HVAC Technician at Patriot Heating and Air
at Patriot Heating and Air in Pace, FL
About This Program
Patriot Heating and Air, based in Pace, FL, sponsors this registered, non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid from day one as they work alongside experienced technicians in the field, learning the trade in a real-world environment across Florida's Gulf Coast region.
The program runs four years and combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Classroom instruction covers topics such as refrigeration principles, electrical systems, load calculations, system diagnostics, and EPA refrigerant handling requirements.
Upon completing the program, graduates are prepared to work as journey-level HVAC technicians. The HVAC trade offers strong long-term career prospects, particularly in Florida's climate, where demand for skilled technicians remains consistently high year-round.
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
Licensing in Florida
HVAC Technicians in Florida are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation – Construction Industry Licensing Board.
View full Floridalicensing requirements →Reviews
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