HVAC Technician at Seattle Area Plumbers Housing Plumbers Pipefitters HVAC-Service Controls Technician/Refrigeration Mechanics and Marine Pipefitters Apprenticeship Committee
About This Program
The Seattle Area Plumbers, Housing Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVAC-Service Controls Technician/Refrigeration Mechanics, and Marine Pipefitters Apprenticeship Committee, based in Renton, WA, sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship. This multi-trade committee brings together extensive industry resources to deliver a comprehensive training program for HVAC and refrigeration mechanics in the greater Seattle region.
The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in HVAC system installation, service, and controls, as well as refrigeration mechanics and pipefitting fundamentals. Technical instruction covers system controls, refrigerant regulations, electrical theory, piping systems, and applicable Washington State codes.
Graduates earn journey-level HVAC technician credentials suited for work across residential, commercial, and marine environments. The Seattle area's robust construction and facilities market creates strong ongoing demand for skilled HVAC and refrigeration professionals who complete this program.
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 Washington
HVAC Technicians in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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