HVAC Technician at United Association (UA) -New Jersey Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Education Fund
at United Association (UA) -New Jersey Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Education Fund in Hazlet, NJ
About This Program
The United Association (UA) — New Jersey Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Education Fund, based in Hazlet, NJ, sponsors this JATC-affiliated HVAC Technician apprenticeship. As a union program administered through the United Association, one of North America's largest plumbing and pipefitting unions, apprentices benefit from collectively bargained wage scales, comprehensive benefits, and a nationally respected training structure. This program is a strong choice for those who want union representation along with a rigorous technical education.
The program runs four years and combines 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Union apprentices rotate through signatory contractors, gaining exposure to a wide range of commercial and industrial HVAC and refrigeration systems. Classroom and lab training covers refrigeration theory, pipefitting, electrical systems and controls, system design, EPA refrigerant regulations, and safety compliance.
Graduates complete the program as UA journey-level refrigeration and air conditioning technicians. Union journeymen in New Jersey typically have access to negotiated wages, health benefits, and pension contributions, providing long-term financial stability and a clear path for career advancement within the UA.
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.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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