REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR OUR 2026-2027 APPRENTICE PROGRAM
Employer - Sponsor Information
2026-2027 APPRENTICE PROGRAM FLYER One Year Program Curriculum
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 2026-2027 PROGRAM APPLICATION
Should you have any questions please call 941-404-3407 or email:info@macca.us
Built by Local HVAC Leaders to Directly Support the Future of our Industry
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 the MACCA Apprenticeship Program.
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.
Benefits to Employers / Sponsors
1. Build a Skilled Workforce - Apprenticeships allow employers to train workers to their exact standards,
creating technicians who understand the company’s systems, expectations, and culture.
2. Increased Productivity - Apprentices learn while working, which means employers gain productive team
members who grow more capable each month.
3. Reduced Turnover - Employees who complete apprenticeships are more loyal and tend to stay longer, reducing
hiring and onboarding costs.
4. Lower Training Costs - The apprenticeship program provides structured classroom instruction, reducing the
employer’s burden to train everything in‑house.
5. Access to Industry‑Ready Talent - Apprentices graduate with certifications, hands‑on experience, and
proven competencies — ready to step into higher‑level roles.
6. Improved Safety & Quality - Formal training leads to safer job sites, fewer mistakes, and higher‑quality workmanship.
7. Wage Progression Helps Manage Labor Costs - Employers can plan wages in advance based on skill
development, ensuring fair pay while maintaining predictable labor budgeting.
8. Community Reputation & Workforce Development - Participating as a sponsor demonstrates a commitment to workforce development and strengthens the company’s presence in the community.
Basic Information Employers Should Know Before Becoming an Apprenticeship Sponsor
1. Employer Registration
It is important to select employees that have a desire to learn. Notify them of your expectations and hold them accountable.
Complete the sponsor registration paperwork using the link above.
You will need to provide company contact information, student information and designate a primary point of contact.
Registration generally opens in July of each year and classes beginning in August. Understand the program’s rules regarding attendance, discipline, and completion requirements.
2. Provide On‑the‑Job Training (OJT)
Agree to train apprentices using the program’s OJT task list / curriculum.
Ensure apprentices receive supervised, progressive, hands‑on experience.
Review and approve OJT forms that need to be submitted by the students monthly.
3. Assign a Qualified Mentor
It is requested to assign each apprentice to an experienced technician.
Mentors guide daily work, verify competencies, and support skill development.
4. Maintain Employment Standards
Provide consistent work hours when available so students are able to meet their OJT requirements.
Follow all state and federal labor laws and maintain a safe work environment and proper safety training.
5. Support Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
Due to the accelerated nature of the program, apprentice students are only allowed to miss six (6) classes before they
are dropped from the program. Students will need to be scheduled accordingly on school days to attend scheduled
classroom training on time.
Encourage attendance and performance in coursework.
6. Performance & Progress Tracking
The apprenticeship program will stay in touch with you weekly on attendance, performance, OJT totals and any other concerns.
Review progress reports when provided.
7. Wage Progression
Follow the required wage progression schedule
Increase wages as apprentices complete OJT hours and RTI milestones.
8. Program Policies & Expectations
MACCA will provide you with a binder covering all of these details and more.
MACCA will also be scheduled manager calls to go over the program’s rules regarding attendance, discipline, completion requirements and more and to assist with any questions you may have. Notify the program of any employment changes (layoff, termination, promotion).
9. What is the Cost
Per State requirement, employers cover the cost of the tuition and commit to paying a minimum pay rate to students determined by a local survey of journeymen wages. The cost for the program is outlined in the registration forms. Many companies require their students to agree to reimburse the company should the drop out or fail the program. Please email us at info@macca.us if you would like more information on what options are available and sample agreements
APPRENTICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
One-Year Program (located at Manatee Technical College, Bradenton)
The One-Year HVAC Apprenticeship Program, 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 244 classroom hours and 2,000 on-the-job training hours over a 12 month period.
With this program, 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...
By investing in this program, employers help grow a skilled workforce that benefits both their business and the entire HVAC community