HVAC Technician at Total Refrigeration
at Total Refrigeration in West Suffield, CT
About This Program
Total Refrigeration sponsors this registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship in West Suffield, CT. This employer-sponsored, time-based program is a paid, structured pathway into the refrigeration and HVAC trade for individuals in northern Connecticut looking to develop skills with a focused, experienced local company.
The four-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeyman technicians gaining practical experience in refrigeration system installation, maintenance, and diagnostics — skills critical in both commercial food service and residential climate control applications. Classroom instruction covers refrigeration cycles, mechanical and electrical components, refrigerant handling regulations, energy efficiency, and applicable safety standards.
Graduates of this program are prepared to work as journey-level HVAC and refrigeration technicians. The Hartford metro area and surrounding northern Connecticut region offer consistent demand for qualified refrigeration and HVAC professionals, making this apprenticeship a solid investment in a trade career with long-term stability.
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 Connecticut
HVAC Technicians in Connecticut are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Occupational and Professional Licensing.
View full Connecticutlicensing requirements →Reviews
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