HVAC Technician at Priority 1 HVAC
at Priority 1 HVAC in Fort Walton Beach, FL
About This Program
Priority 1 HVAC, located in Fort Walton Beach, FL, sponsors this registered, non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices earn wages from day one while working in the field with experienced technicians along the Emerald Coast, developing real-world competency in heating and cooling systems.
The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Technical coursework covers refrigeration theory, electrical systems, system controls, load calculations, air distribution, diagnostic techniques, and EPA refrigerant handling certification requirements.
Upon completion, graduates are qualified to work as journey-level HVAC technicians. Fort Walton Beach's growing residential market and significant military and commercial presence in the area provide apprentices with consistent, varied work experience and strong post-program employment prospects.
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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