HVAC Technician at Vailes Heating and Air
at Vailes Heating and Air in Fishersville, VA
About This Program
Vailes Heating and Air sponsors a registered HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Fishersville, VA. This employer-sponsored, non-union program offers a paid training pathway for individuals in the Augusta County area who are ready to pursue a hands-on career in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning trade.
The apprenticeship is structured over 4 years, with apprentices completing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working with experienced technicians, apprentices develop practical skills in HVAC system installation, seasonal maintenance, and diagnostic repair across residential and light commercial applications. Technical coursework covers refrigeration cycles, electrical fundamentals, controls and thermostats, load calculations, and EPA and safety requirements.
Program graduates earn journey-level HVAC technician credentials, qualifying them to work independently in the trade. The Fishersville and Staunton area supports steady demand for skilled HVAC professionals, and program completers are well-positioned to pursue long-term employment in the region.
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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