HVAC Technician at Shenandoah Refrigeration, Inc
at Shenandoah Refrigeration, Inc in Winchester, VA
About This Program
Shenandoah Refrigeration, Inc. offers a registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship based in Winchester, VA. This employer-sponsored, non-union program provides a paid training pathway for individuals seeking careers in heating, cooling, and commercial refrigeration in the northern Shenandoah Valley region.
The program is structured over 4 years, with apprentices completing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Given the sponsor's focus on refrigeration, apprentices may gain particularly strong exposure to commercial refrigeration systems alongside standard HVAC equipment. Technical instruction addresses refrigerant handling and EPA certification, electrical systems, controls, system troubleshooting, and occupational safety.
Graduates earn journey-level HVAC technician credentials upon completing the program. A background that includes refrigeration experience can be an asset for employment in food service, grocery, and cold-storage industries in addition to traditional HVAC roles, broadening career opportunities for program completers.
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.
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
Trade School
Licensing in Virginia
HVAC Technicians in Virginia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors.
View full Virginialicensing requirements →Reviews
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