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We all want to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When our furnaces or air conditioners break, we rely on a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic, installer, or technician to fix them. There’s a lot to learn if you want a job in this essential workforce, and training is available throughout the Aloha State.
The growing demand for HVAC professionals in Hawaii, including HVAC technicians, commercial refrigeration contractors, and licensed HVAC contractors, means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 6% growth rate in Hawaii for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers as compared with 6% nationwide over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. For instance, there are nearly 200 HVAC technician jobs in Hawaii posted on Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com.
In this complete guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know about HVAC trade schools and apprenticeships to get started as an HVAC professional in the state of Hawaii.
Accredited Hawaii HVAC Training Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Many HVAC/R technicians receive post secondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree.”
The BLS says new HVAC techs work alongside experienced HVAC contractors and technicians, though some gain experience from an apprenticeship program, which lasts between three and five years. Apprenticeship programs include learning about safety practices, blueprint reading, and how to use tools, in addition to gaining knowledge about the various systems used to heat and cool buildings.
It’s also important to note that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under section 608 of the Clean Air Act, requires any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere to earn an EPA Section 608 technician certification. HVAC apprentices don’t need to hold the EPA certification as long as “they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician,” according to the EPA.
In Hawaii, there are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians, but technicians must work for a licensed contractor. Contractors who perform HVACR-related work must hold a Class C Specialty Contractor License issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division. The C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor license covers most HVAC work performed by technicians.
Most people entering the HVAC industry in Hawaii learn on the job as an apprentice or by working for an HVAC contractor and taking classes at a local trade school or community college. There is no state-mandated minimum age to get started as an HVAC tech in Hawaii. However, most employers expect job candidates to be at least 18 years old with either a high school diploma or GED.
The following community colleges and training centers offer HVAC programs in Hawaii:
Honolulu Community College, 874 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu, offers both a certificate of achievement and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology. Also, the college’s Apprenticeship & Journey Worker Training program provides related instruction to those on Oahu who are apprenticing in various construction and mechanical trades, including air conditioning and refrigeration fitter, boilermaker, plumber, and sheet metal worker.
Kauai Community College, 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway, Līhue, offers an online HVACR training course. Students take courses completely online, and graduates receive an HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificate and NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Ready to Work Certificate.
Hawaii Job Corps Center, Empire Building, 49 S. Hotel St. #203, Honolulu, offers a pre-apprenticeship program in Building Construction Technology, which prepares students for a registered apprenticeship program. Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Hawaii Apprenticeships
An HVAC apprenticeship program is the first step to starting a career in the HVAC industry. Apprenticeship opportunities include:
UA Local 675, based in Honolulu, offers apprenticeship programs for refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing, fire sprinkler fitter, or steamfitter welder. Each program combines 10,000 work hours and 10 semesters of related instruction.
The State of Hawaii Workforce Development Division website offers a list of registered apprenticeship programs. Many employers will also sponsor you in a paid apprenticeship.
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HVAC Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education.
In Hawaii, HVAC technicians can work for a licensed contractor indefinitely, or seek a specialty contractor license after at least four years of working under the supervision of a licensed contractor. Once you obtain your HVAC contractor license, you may serve as the Responsible Managing Employee for another HVAC contractor or start your own business.
Because of the complexity of today’s HVAC systems, many employers prefer to hire people who have completed technical school courses and on-the-job training. In some cases, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
One federally required technical certificate is the Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act certification. Most colleges and technical schools prepare you for this requirement. A list of organizations that provide the certification can be found on the EPA website.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC programs at technical colleges are intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential HVAC applications. Most technical school graduates are qualified for entry-level positions as HVAC technicians.
HVAC technicians must be knowledgeable in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration control systems and be prepared to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair systems including heat pumps, commercial refrigerators, gas heaters, air conditioners, and more.
To help guarantee future employment, you might consider attending an accredited program through an agency, such as the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) or HVAC Excellence. However, neither organization has accredited any programs in Hawaii currently.
Typical HVAC courses teach fundamentals including:
Safety
Computer concepts (diagnosing and repairing complex systems)
Heat pumps
Commercial HVAC and refrigerators
Basic electricity for HVAC
Basic refrigeration
Gas heating
Air conditioners
Energy control
HVAC customer soft skills and job-seeking skills
Refrigeration applications
Residential HVAC applications
Troubleshooting ventilation systems
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Hawaii community colleges is approximately $2,815 per year for in-state students and $7,663 for out-of-state students.
However, the cost of various technical programs varies depending on the type of certification.
You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving financial aid or federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
Because there is no entry-level state licensing, HVAC technicians must simply meet employer expectations. Most employers prefer some kind of postsecondary or hands-on training. Certificate programs vary in length, but typically take a year or less. Most AAS degree programs take about two years, and apprenticeships about five years. HVAC techs looking to expand their job opportunities must complete a minimum of four years of supervisory work experience before applying for a specialty contractor license.
Level of Difficulty
HVAC training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as HVAC installers or technicians. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes safety practices, blueprint reading, how to use tools, and understanding systems that heat and cool buildings.
For the C-52 Specialty License, the Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor exam is closed-book and made up of 80 questions with a time limit of three hours. It covers the following topics:
Warm Air Systems
Air Conditioning Systems
Ventilation Systems
Gas and Refrigerant Piping
Controls
Insulation
General Estimating
Solar Systems
School Comparison: At a Glance
The Hawaii HVAC industry mainly offers certifications in refrigeration and air conditioning for technicians. Some community colleges offer apprenticeship programs in addition to formal classwork. Picking a school or apprenticeship program largely depends on your areas of interest and how much time and money you’re willing to dedicate to a certain program. Selecting a training school also depends upon your ultimate career goals.
Honolulu Community College offers both a certificate of achievement and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology. Also, the college’s Apprenticeship & Journey Worker Training program provides related instruction to those on Oahu who are apprenticing in various construction and mechanical trades, including air conditioning and refrigeration fitter, boilermaker, plumber, and sheet metal worker.
Kauai Community College offers an online HVACR training course. Students take courses completely online, and graduates receive an HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificate and NATE Ready to Work Certificate.
Steps for Enrollment in Hawaii
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Submit placement test scores.
If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
HVAC Career Requirements in Hawaii
To recap, there are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians, but technicians must work for a licensed contractor.
Contractors who perform HVACR-related work must hold a Class C Specialty Contractor License issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
The C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor license covers most HVAC work performed by technicians.
HVAC professionals anywhere in the country, including Hawaii, must obtain an EPA HVAC certification if they conduct refrigerant line-pressure tests, or handle or add refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems, according to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
For a detailed explanation of EPA certification and Hawaii’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Hawaii HVAC License.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Hawaii
Before paying for technical education or completing a lengthy apprenticeship to become an HVAC technician or licensed contractor, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Hawaii? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC technician salary in Hawaii for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $53,100
Intermediate 2-4 years: $61,100
Senior 4-6 years: $69,600
Supervisor > 7 years: $90,900
For more information about HVAC salaries,visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
Candidates can join an apprenticeship program offered by a local company or trade union, or through the State of Hawaii Workforce Development Division.
Apprenticeship opportunities include:
UA Local 675, based in Honolulu, offers apprenticeship programs for refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing, fire sprinkler fitter, or steamfitter welder. Each program combines 10,000 work hours and 10 semesters of related instruction.
The State of Hawaii Workforce Development Division website offers a list of current registered apprenticeship programs. Many employers will also sponsor you in a paid apprenticeship.
Other School Options
The University of Hawaii Maui College offers a Construction Technology program, which includes some plumbing coursework.
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an HVAC technician in Hawaii. The opportunities are all around you.
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