HVAC Technician at Redkey's Refrigeration
at Redkey's Refrigeration in Stevensville, MT
About This Program
Redkey's Refrigeration, located in Stevensville, MT, sponsors this registered non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are paid throughout training and work directly with experienced refrigeration and HVAC technicians on real service calls and installations in the Bitterroot Valley and surrounding areas.
The program spans four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn refrigeration theory and systems, electrical fundamentals, HVAC equipment installation and startup, controls and diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and EPA refrigerant handling requirements. Classroom hours are structured to reinforce the practical skills developed in the field.
Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates hold journey-level HVAC technician credentials with a strong background in refrigeration systems. Redkey's Refrigeration offers apprentices in rural Montana a quality, employer-backed pathway into a skilled trade with reliable, long-term 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
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