The HACC of Maryland Apprenticeship Program was established in 1996 to train technicians to work in the HVACR industry. Well-trained, reliable technicians are in constant demand in the industry. We are excited to have you here learning about our program. We currently have 270 students that are being trained to earn their Journeyman License from our program.

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) mechanics and installers is projected to grow 15 percent by 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Commercial and residential building construction is expected to drive employment growth, and job opportunities for HVACR technicians are expected to be good.

This apprenticeship program will provide training for apprentices to specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/refrigeration systems. Work may include installing, servicing and repairing heating and air conditioning systems in residences and commercial establishments. Apprenticeships usually begin by assisting experienced technicians with such tasks as carrying materials, insulating refrigerant lines or cleaning furnaces. In time, apprentices will move on to more difficult tasks such as cutting and soldering pipes and checking electrical and electronic circuits.

The program is a four-year curriculum that gives credit for on-the-job and classroom training. Classes are held two evenings a week, from September through April at Carroll Community College in Westminster, Cecil College in North East, Harford Community College in Bel Air and Howard Community College in Columbia. Find out more about the Apprentice Program Instructors here.

A registered apprentice is registered with the State of Maryland's Apprenticeship and Training Council. The council sets the rules for the program and will issue an apprenticeship completion certification upon successful completion of the program. This certificate enables students to apply for and be granted a State HVACR journeyman license without taking the exam.

Although you do not have to be employed by an HVACR contractor to start the program, applicants will need to find a job in the industry by the start of your second year in the program. You must earn 8000 on the job training hours to complete the program. You will have 5 years to complete your hours. Typically, students earn 2,000 hours a year. It is up to the student to find a contractor to work for. Our website contains a list of our members. Our membership list is a great place to start your job search, but you are not required to work for a member of our organization. We will do our best to assist students that are struggling to find employment.

Applications are posted on our website on May 1 of each year for the following school year and are due July 15. Find more Apprentice Resources here.

For more information, contact the HACC office by phone at (410) 431-8889 or e-mail sanderson@haccmd.org.

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