HVAC Technician at Refrigeration School, Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Refrigeration School, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ

About This Program

Refrigeration School, Inc. sponsors a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Phoenix, Arizona. Known as a long-established technical training institution in the Valley, Refrigeration School, Inc. combines its educational expertise with a structured registered apprenticeship model to prepare individuals for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. This non-union program pays apprentices throughout their training period.

The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices benefit from an organization with deep roots in technical HVAC education, gaining practical field experience reinforced by structured classroom learning. Training covers refrigeration systems, air conditioning and heating equipment, electrical and control systems, diagnostics, and EPA refrigerant regulations — a comprehensive curriculum designed for work in Phoenix's demanding climate.

Completing the program earns graduates journey-level HVAC technician status. Phoenix continues to be one of the strongest markets in the country for HVAC professionals due to its extreme temperatures and ongoing population growth. Training through Refrigeration School, Inc. combines institutional credibility with the hands-on, paid model of apprenticeship.

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

Licensing in Arizona

HVAC Technicians in Arizona are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

View full Arizonalicensing requirements →

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