A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) apprentice is a student learning the skills of an HVAC contractor. Because HVAC contracting is a skilled trade, people who want to work as contractors must typically complete either an educational program or an apprenticeship in the field. Typically, an HVAC apprentice will attend classroom courses as well as work under the supervision of an experienced HVAC technician during their apprenticeship. The new apprentice will begin performing basic tasks and observing his or her supervising technician, as is the case with many apprenticeships. However, the HVAC apprentice will eventually be expected to perform more complex HVAC procedures.
The process for becoming an HVAC technician varies a lot depending on where you live. A technician must be licensed in some areas, but licensing is not required in others, though local unions may develop qualification standards for their members. Apprenticeships are one way to get real-world experience doing HVAC work, which is something that both unions and licensing boards look for. Each union or licensing body will establish its own standards for the length of an apprenticeship and the skills that an apprentice should learn. If an HVAC worker wants to work in a specific area, he or she will typically be required to pass an exam as well as show proof of his or her time as an HVAC apprentice.
Local union affiliates may organize HVAC apprenticeships. While taking classes, an HVAC apprentice often works for a contracting firm. Local community colleges or vocational schools frequently offer classes that meet once or twice a week. The HVAC apprentice is expected to learn how to read blueprints, how to design heating and cooling systems, and general safety rules during classes. Many HVAC classroom training programs include instruction on working with refrigerants, as there are often laws and regulations governing their use and disposal with which an HVAC contractor must comply.
The HVAC apprentice receives classroom training as well as hands-on experience working alongside more experienced HVAC technicians. An entry-level worker or apprentice may begin working for an HVAC company before enrolling in a formal apprentice program, but in either case, an entry-level worker or apprentice will typically begin assisting and observing the work of his or her senior technicians. Under the supervision of the senior technician, the apprentice will eventually be able to perform tasks on his or her own. This supervision continues until the apprentice completes the apprenticeship program, at which point he or she may be able to obtain HVAC technician licensing or union recognition and begin working independently.