HVAC Technician at Reliant Heating and Air Cond.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Reliant Heating and Air Cond. in Clearwater, FL

About This Program

Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning, based in Clearwater, FL, sponsors this registered, non-union HVAC Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices receive pay throughout training while developing field competencies under the supervision of experienced HVAC professionals in the Tampa Bay area.

The program runs four years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices build skills in installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. Technical coursework covers refrigeration principles, electrical wiring, system controls, load calculations, troubleshooting procedures, and EPA refrigerant regulations.

Completing this apprenticeship prepares graduates to enter the workforce as journey-level HVAC technicians. Clearwater's dense residential and commercial base provides apprentices with consistent, varied work experience throughout the four-year program.

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.

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 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 →

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