2024-2025 APPRENTICE PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION  

Employers...Are you finding it increasingly difficult to recruit experienced, knowledgeable HVAC technicians? If so, then consider investing in your company’s future by training your own technicians through one of the MACCA Apprenticeship Programs. 

The HVAC/R Apprentice Programs allow individuals to learn the skills required of the residential HVAC/R installation and service trade while working in a full-time paid employment position. These state-of-the-art training programs provide flexible tools that give apprentices access to content where and when they need it so they can learn in sync with their work, school, and life.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Three-Year Program (located at Suncoast Technical College, Sarasota & North Port)
The Three-Year HVAC Apprenticeship Program, established in November 1997, provides approved training in the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.  The program consists of 144 classroom hours and 2,000 on-the-job training hours per year, over a three-year period.  Graduation from the program allows the apprentice to take the optional state journeyman exam. All instructors are industry experienced and registered with the State. The program is administered through MACCA’s Apprenticeship Committee.

NEW One-Year Program (located at Manatee Technical College, Bradenton)
The One-Year HVAC Apprenticeship Program, new this year, is a Competency-Based Training (CBT) learning model where students must demonstrate the required level of knowledge and skill on a task prior to advancing to the next task. CBT is broken down into small units that are focused on specific skills, helping apprentice students acquire skills and knowledge so they can perform a specified standard under certain conditions. This program consists of 144-244 classroom hours and 2,000-4,000 on-the-job training hours over a 24-24 month period.

With both programs, participants gain experience and learn new skills required of the residential HVAC/R installation and service trade. Instruction is provided in the evening, while the apprentice is working in the HVAC field during the day. To meet on-the-job training requirements, supervision by a fully qualified journey worker is provided by the employer, who is responsible for making work assignments, providing on-the-job training, and ensuring safety at the worksite.

What are the Benefits to my Company?  Participation in one of the programs can help build highly-skilled employees, reduce turnover costs, increase productivity, and create company loyalty.

What will the Apprentices Learn?
• Identifying refrigeration tools, materials, electrical and control components / systems
• Installing and servicing the components of different types of air conditioning and refrigeration systems
• Refrigeration fundamentals
• Ventilation requirements
• Servicing refrigerant control systems and air conditioning control systems
• Working with air distribution and cleaning systems
• Working with advanced circuitry systems and innovative instruments
• And more...

What are my Company’s Responsibilities?  Employers are asked to support the apprentices by ensuring their work hours allow for class attendance and provide the on-the-job training as specified by the program. Additionally, it is important to select employees that have a desire to learn and become HVAC professionals.

How Do I Enroll my Employees?  Click on the Apprentice Registration Forms above. Registration generally opens in July of each year and classes beginning in August. 

What is the Cost?  Per State requirement, employers pay the cost of the tuition and commit to paying a minimum pay rate determined by a local survey of journeymen wages.  The cost for both programs is outlined in the registration forms.

What if I am not Currently Employed with an HVAC company?  If you are currently not employed with a HVAC company and are interested in participating in the Apprentice Program, please click on the Non HVAC Employed Application, fill out the form and hit submit.  Following our receipt of the form, the application is sent to area contractors. Those contractors who have an interest in the candidate will arrange for an employment interview. If the individual is hired and in the judgment of the employer is qualified for the program, he/she will be recommended as a candidate.  Non HVAC Employed Application