How To Get An HVAC Apprenticeship

If you're naturally curious and have an interest in machines, a career as an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician may be the perfect fit for you. HVAC technicians spend their days installing, testing, mending, and maintaining HVAC systems. It’s a role that could see you working on commercial or residential properties and construction sites.

Interviewing for an apprenticeship? Download our free Interview Questions to help you prepare!

Before you go applying for HVAC jobs, you’ll first need to get qualified with an apprenticeship. Here’s how to get one:

You can skip ahead here:

1. How to find HVAC apprenticeship opportunities
2. Minimum age requirements for an HVAC apprenticeship 
3. How long does it take to complete an HVAC apprenticeship?
4. Make your CV count
5. Get interview ready 
6. A glimpse into the future

For other trade apprenticeship advice, check out these guides:

• How to get a plumbing apprenticeship
• How to get a joinery apprenticeship
• How to get a carpentry apprenticeship
• How to get a landscaping apprenticeship

1. How to find HVAC apprenticeship opportunities

There are plenty of HVAC apprenticeship opportunities available if you know where to look. It’s always a good idea to start by contacting local HVAC companies and expressing your interest in an apprenticeship. The more hooks you have in the water, the more fish you can (theoretically) catch — so check in with vocational colleges and online job boards to make sure you don’t miss any openings. 

•  🇬🇧 United Kingdom - The government search engine Find an Apprenticeship is useful for finding available apprenticeship opportunities. If the term ‘HVAC’ doesn’t bring up any results, try searching for related words such as ‘refrigeration’ or ‘air conditioning'. 
• 🇺🇸 USA - The federal government’s Apprenticeship Job Finder allows you to search for available HVAC apprenticeships in the US. Also, try exploring Job Centres throughout the US — they offer a wealth of apprenticeship information and opportunities. 
• 🇦🇺 Australia - Check out Australian Apprenticeships Pathways for heaps of information on HVAC apprenticeships. You’ll also find that they have a comprehensive list of relevant job sites you can use too.
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand - HVAC apprenticeships are completely free in New Zealand until 2023. Competenz oversees apprenticeships for HVAC technicians in NZ, so their website is a good place to start. They’ll be able to tell you what qualifications are involved too. Also, try looking on local job boards such as Seek and Trade Me to find an apprenticeship.

2. Minimum age requirements for an HVAC apprenticeship

You’re never too old to start an HVAC apprenticeship. On the other hand, most countries do have a minimum age requirement before you can officially enrol in an apprenticeship. This usually gives you the chance to get your high school qualifications before you start training in the workplace. It also means you’ve got time to get your full driver’s license – something that can be a prerequisite for some HVAC roles.

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - You’ll need to have finished secondary school and be 16-years old to embark on your apprenticeship journey. However, many schools offer vocational GCSEs in subjects relevant to the HVAC trade, such as Engineering and Computer Science, so you can get a head start on your learning.
• 🇺🇸 USA - HVAC apprenticeships are open to those 18-years and older. The good news is that many middle and high schools offer Youth Apprenticeship Programs which you can start while still at school. These programs help to introduce young people to the workplace and gain some hands-on experience – this could be a great way for you to ease into your training.
• 🇦🇺 Australia - You need to have finished Year 10 in high school or be 17 years old (whichever comes first) to start an apprenticeship in Australia. Some schools offer Australian School-Based Apprenticeships, giving you the best of both worlds. You can finish your final few years of school while working towards a recognised apprenticeship. 
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand - In most instances, you need to be 16 years old to start an apprenticeship in NZ. Vocational Pathways provide students with other ways to achieve NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3. There are six vocational industries to choose from – Construction & Infrastructure is a great choice for those interested in the HVAC industry.

3. How long does it take to complete an HVAC apprenticeship?

Get ready to make your mark in the field – after just three to five years, you’ll graduate from apprentice to qualified HVAC technician.

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - There are a few options to get your foot in the HVAC door. Allow approximately three years to complete your training such as this refrigeration and heat pump engineering technician (Level 3) training course. 
• 🇺🇸 USA - HVAC apprenticeship programs in the US can take up to five years to complete. But don’t worry – your apprenticeship will keep you busy and the demand for qualified HVAC apprentices is high once you've completed your training. Find out what’s involved. 
• 🇦🇺 Australia - An apprenticeship that leads to an industry-standard Certificate III in air conditioning and refrigeration (UEE32211) takes three to four years to complete. It’s widely available at many universities and training colleges throughout Australia.
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand - Despite there being no specific requirements to become an HVAC technician in NZ, most employers will expect you to (at least) be working towards becoming qualified. An apprenticeship that leads to a Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning – Trade (Level 4) takes approximately four years and will stand you in good stead to enter the HVAC trade. 

4. Make your CV count

A well-written CV shows potential employers that you’re serious about the trade. So, to demonstrate your commitment, spend a few days writing and refining your application. It’ll be time well spent. If possible, try and get a second set of eyes on it before firing it off, you never know what they might catch! 

Here’s how to create an awesome CV: 

Start with a personal profile

Include a few sentences detailing your personal attributes and interests. This is an opportunity to tell employers more about yourself and what you can bring to an apprenticeship role. 

Wow with your work experience

If you’ve just finished high school, your paid work experience might be limited. If this is the case, don’t worry! Instead, consider listing times you’ve put your practicality to use, and describe how you think this could help you in the HVAC industry. If you do have work experience, no matter what it is, include it! List the responsibilities you have and try to link them back to the HVAC industry.

Document your education and training

Highlight the most relevant school subjects first, for example, maths, science, and IT. Write about what you learnt from these subjects, and how you intend on utilising them in an HVAC career. Be sure to detail any additional certificates or awards you’ve achieved too.

Show off your skills

Your CV is not the place to be humble! Turn the confidence dial to maximum and describe what skills you have. These should include a mixture of soft skills, such as communication and attention to detail, and hard skills specific to the HVAC trade, such as working with machinery or computers. 

Don’t forget a cover letter

Even if the job advertisement doesn’t specifically ask for a cover letter, it’s a good idea to include one anyway. Employers will see this and know that you’re committed and willing to go the extra mile. The aim of a cover letter is to give potential employers a clearer understanding of who you are as a person, and how you’ll fit into their organisation, so feel free to expand on your personal profile a bit more.  Make sure you read the job description carefully, do your research, and tailor your cover letter to each role/organisation.

Show an interest

Even if you don’t have much experience in HVAC, you can gain knowledge and pick up useful terminology by thoroughly researching the trade. Our YouTube videos and podcast give you a great insight into the HVAC industry and teach you some key terminology you can use to gain an edge.

5. Get interview ready

Once you’ve hooked potential employers in with your engaging CV, the next step is usually a face-to-face interview. Before your interview:

• Research the company or organisation: The more you know about the organisation, the better chance you’ll have of securing a job in the interview. Spend time browsing their website and social media pages to get an even stronger idea of what they do and how they do it.
• Read (and re-read) the job description: The job description provides a breakdown of the main duties and responsibilities you’ll be expected to perform if offered the role. Think about how your skills and experience align with the job requirements and be prepared to demonstrate this at the interview.
• Prepare answers to potential interview questions: Check out Tradify’s comprehensive Interview Questions for Apprentices to get a peek at what might be coming your way 👀
• Dress smart. First impressions count, so think about what you’ll wear on the day. Although HVAC is sometimes a physical job that requires hard-wearing clothes and safety gear, it pays to turn up looking tidy and organised. 

Download your free Interview Questions for Apprentices!

6. A glimpse into the future

With HVAC systems constantly evolving and the demand for skilled technicians predicted to rise, completing an HVAC apprenticeship is a smart move. Once qualified, you’ll be ready to carve out your own career pathway in the trade, which could involve starting your own trade business. When you’re ready to start your own HVAC business, Tradify is here to support you.

HVAC technicians who want to grow successful trade businesses use Tradify. Sign up for a free 14-day trial, or jump into one of our weekly live walkthroughs.