HVACR Apprenticeship Program – New Jersey
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in New Jersey / HVACR Apprenticeship Program – New Jersey
Program Information
The HVACR Apprenticeship Program in New Jersey provides a comprehensive pathway for individuals seeking to enter the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. This program combines structured classroom instruction with thousands of hours of paid, on-the-job training, ensuring that apprentices develop both the technical and practical skills needed to work on modern HVACR systems. Throughout the apprenticeship, participants learn how to install, maintain, service, and troubleshoot a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling systems. This includes furnaces, boilers, rooftop units, heat pumps, walk-in coolers, refrigeration units, and advanced climate control systems used in large facilities.
Classroom coursework covers refrigeration theory, electrical fundamentals, blueprint reading, airflow measurement, psychrometrics, piping practices, brazing, system diagnostics, combustion analysis, and modern HVAC control systems. Apprentices also learn how to properly recover, handle, and recharge refrigerants in compliance with EPA regulations. Training includes instruction on safety procedures, HVAC code requirements, and energy-efficiency best practices. As systems become increasingly smart and energy efficient, apprentices are also introduced to digital controls, building automation, and modern diagnostic tools used to maintain high-performance equipment.
On the job, apprentices work under the supervision of licensed HVACR technicians and experienced journeymen. They gain hands-on experience with system installations, ductwork fabrication, equipment maintenance, thermostat configuration, soldering, brazing, electrical testing, and troubleshooting real-world issues in the field. They also learn to communicate with customers, document service work, and maintain professional standards across all job environments. By the end of the program, apprentices are fully prepared for licensing exams and equipped with the experience necessary to transition into well-paying HVACR technician roles across New Jersey’s growing mechanical and construction sectors.
Program Length
4 years (includes 8,000 hours of structured on-the-job training and related classroom instruction)
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in technical problem-solving
- Ability to work with complex electrical and mechanical systems
- Physical ability to lift equipment, climb ladders, and work in confined or elevated spaces
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
HVACR Apprenticeship Program – New Jersey is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in HVAC.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.