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Program Overview
Work Description
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems consist of many mechanical, electrical and electronic components, including motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats and switches. In central heating systems, a furnace heats air that is distributed throughout the building by a system of metal or fiberglass ducts. Technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose and correct problems throughout the entire system. They may adjust system controls to recommended settings and test the performance of the entire system using special tools and test equipment. The work involves installing ductwork, and installing and wiring environmental control systems.
Working Conditions
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in spaces ranging from outside on scaffolding to crawl spaces inside walls. Work requires physical stamina with considerable bending, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
Training
- 5-year training program
- 9,000 hours of on-the-job training
- 560 hours of paid related instruction
- Hours of paid and unpaid related instruction combined shall not be less than 730 hours
- Apprentices must complete Red Cross First Aid Training Course
- Apprentices must in their final year complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course
- Additional related instruction may be required
Courses include blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.Program Details
HVAC Apprenticeship classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
10601331 HVAC Installation Basics and 10606205 Print Reading for HVAC10601304 Industrial Fluid Distribution Systems10462323 Controls 110601342 Hydronic and Steam Systems10601330 Refrigeration Fundamentals10606120 2D-CAD and 10606121 CAD for MEP Systems10601340 Forced Air Heating Systems10601332 Heating & Air Conditioning Advanced -
Admission
How to Apply
If you have signed an Apprenticeship Contract:
When your contract arrives from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, you will be admitted to the program and enrolled in first-semester classes. You will be notified of your admission and enrollment via your Madison College email.
If you have not signed an Apprenticeship Contract:
You are encouraged to contact the School of STEM Office at 608.246.6990 or schoolofstem@madisoncollege.edu to express your interest in becoming an Apprentice. While it is not possible to admit you to an Apprenticeship program without a contract, school office staff can create your student account and enroll you in classes that Apprentices take. Office staff will also be able to advise you on the steps to finding a sponsoring employer and getting an Apprenticeship Contract.
If you are unable to secure an Apprenticeship Contract, you will have the option of completing the corresponding Technical Diploma. In the time between your enrollment and admission to the apprenticeship program of your choice, you have the option of being admitted to the Electro-Mechanical and Engineering Foundations exploratory technical diploma, which will allow you to take relevant coursework and give you access to Financial Aid while you work out the details of your Apprenticeship Contract.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Entry requirements vary by employers
- Physically able to perform trade
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Career Outcomes
Madison College HVAC Installer Technician Apprenticeship graduates are introduced to:
- HVAC
- Trade mathematics
- Tools of the trade
- Copper and plastic piping practices
- Soldering and brazing
- Ferrous metal piping practices
- Basic electricity
- Introduction to cooling
- Distribution systems
- Chimneys, vents and flues
- Maintenance skills for the service technician
- Alternating current
- Basic electronics
- Electric heating
- Control circuit troubleshooting
- Accessories and optional equipment
- Metering devices
- Compressors
- Heat pumps
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 11 23 10 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 0 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 0 0 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 0 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 0 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 0 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 0 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 0 0 Before Enrollment 0 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 0 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 0 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 0 0 In College District 0 0 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week