HVAC Apprenticeship

Combine Education with Earning Opportunities for an In-Demand Career as a HVAC Technician

HVAC instructor and student working on furnace

Program Overview

Ready to embark on a rewarding career in HVAC? The HVAC Apprenticeship program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your pathway to success in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. Embracing an 'earn while you learn' model, this program enables you to be employed in the HVAC field while gaining essential hands-on skills and knowledge and meets the State of Idaho requirements for apprentices, preparing you for journeyman certification.

During the apprenticeship, you will delve into HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repair, along with learning about climate control systems and energy efficiency. The program skillfully blends classroom theory with practical on-the-job training. This comprehensive approach ensures you are equipped with the latest HVAC techniques and ready for career advancement. By completing this apprenticeship, you gain not only technical skills but also a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the HVAC industry.

Degree or Certificate Type

Certificate

Cost

$1,295

Additional cost may apply.

Primary Location

Instructor showing group of students components on an HVAC system

Learning Opportunities

  • Employment-Based Learning: Gain practical HVAC experience while employed in the field.
  • Journeyman Certification Preparation: Meet Idaho's requirements to become a certified journeyman.
  • HVAC Systems Expertise: Acquire a deep understanding of HVAC installations and maintenance.
  • Energy Efficiency Focus: Learn about energy-saving practices in climate control systems.
  • Career Advancement: Build a solid foundation for a stable and rewarding career in HVAC.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Certificate of Completion

 

 

Cert

  • Program Cost

    The cost of the HVAC Apprenticeship program is $350 per quarter or $1,295 for the full series.

    Beyond the annual enrollment fee, students should anticipate additional expenses for course materials required throughout the program.

    • Course material fees vary by year.
    • Class costs and fees are subject to change without notice.

    View Course Materials List

    • Payment Options

      Students in the HVAC Apprenticeship program have several payment options:

      • Pay for a year series (A, B, C, & D) in full at the time of registration at the discounted price of $1,295.
      • Pay for each of the four, 8-week sessions (A, B, C, & D) individually for $350 a session.
      • Visit Financial Information to learn more about available payments options. 
    HVAC technician working on large HVAC system

    Career Opportunities

    • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

      Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).

      135

      Annual Openings*

      $17.97

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $37,378

      Annual Median Salary

      21.69%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

      Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

      81

      Annual Openings*

      $22.54

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $46,883

      Annual Median Salary

      26.03%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

      All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

      10

      Annual Openings*

      $37.77

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $78,562

      Annual Median Salary

      5.49%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Sheet Metal Workers

      Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

      7

      Annual Openings*

      $22.32

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $46,426

      Annual Median Salary

      48.82%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

      Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

      4

      Annual Openings*

      $24.24

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $50,419

      Annual Median Salary

      -2.23%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

      Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

      4

      Annual Openings*

      $22.61

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $47,029

      Annual Median Salary

      16.29%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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    *Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

    Registration

    Step 1

    • Choose your desired HVAC Apprenticeship course, then Add to Cart.
    • Courses are added throughout the year. If your desired course is not listed, check back or request more information to learn more.

    Step 2

    • Create a new profile, or sign in with your existing username and password if prompted.
    • Complete checkout.
    Get Started

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    Read more about Advancing to the Next Level

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    This semester, enrollment in CWI's apprenticeship programs is the highest in five years with total enrollment reaching 452 students.

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