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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 Bluegrass State.
The growing demand for HVAC professionals in Kentucky, including HVAC apprentices, journeyman HVAC mechanics, and master 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 5% growth rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Kentucky over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. For instance, there are hundreds of HVAC jobs in Kentucky posted on Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
In this complete guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to get started on your career path as an HVAC professional in Kentucky.
Kentucky HVAC Training Programs
According to the U.S. 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 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, how to use tools and gaining knowledge about the various systems used to heat and cool buildings.
Generally, HVAC license requirements vary from state to state and in some cases from locality to locality. In Kentucky, licensing is uniform statewide. The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning issues HVAC licenses for HVAC apprentices, journeyman HVAC mechanics and master HVAC contractors. Additionally, apprentices must register with the Division of HVAC to get a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Most people entering the HVAC industry in Kentucky learn on the job as an apprentice or by working for an HVAC contractor and taking classes at a trade school or community college.
Kentucky offers HVAC programs at several institutions. Although an HVAC degree is not required to operate in the state, many choose to pursue education before or during their required apprenticeship. Here are some top Kentucky schools, many of which are part of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), offering HVAC/HVACR programs:
Interactive College of Technology in Newport
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College in Bowling Green
Ashland Community & Technical College in Ashland
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College in Elizabethtown
Somerset Community College in Somerset
Gateway Community College in Florence
Maysville Community & Technical College in Maysville
Big Sandy Community & Technical College in Prestonsburg
Madisonville Community College in Madisonville
Owensboro Community & Technical College in Owensboro
Hazard Community & Technical College in Hazard
College for Technical Education in Lexington
Union Apprenticeships
Several unions in Kentucky offer HVAC apprenticeships, including:
United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs
UA Local 502 in Louisville
Kentucky Laborers’ Training Fund in Lawrenceburg
LU 248 Education & Training Center in Summit
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 for HVAC professionals vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of work experience and education through an apprenticeship, as in Kentucky.
Because of the complexity of today’s HVAC systems, many employers prefer to hire people who have completed both technical school courses and on-the-job training, as well as those who have field experience. In some cases, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
There’s typically a range of certificate and degree programs, as well as apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Some HVAC contractors may allow you to train with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a trade school, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you seek a degree in mechanical engineering technology, you’ll need a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. If you want to be a mechanical engineer, you’ll need a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. If these paths interest you, you may want to explore other schools in Kentucky like:
In many cases, but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages. If you seek to become a journeyman HVAC mechanic or master HVAC contractor, a degree isn’t necessary.
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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 leave prepared to accept entry-level positions as an HVAC technician.
HVAC technicians must be knowledgeable in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and be prepared to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair cooling and heating 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.
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
Refrigeration Equipment
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 Kentucky community colleges is approximately $3,629 per year for in-state students and $12,449 for out-of-state students.
However, some of the educational programs may be part of apprenticeship programs, and tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer or union. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational 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
To become eligible for a journeyman license, apprentices must demonstrate two years of HVAC work experience under a licensed master HVAC contractor or one year of on-the-job training combined with one year of trade school.
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, schematics and blueprint reading, how to use tools, commercial refrigeration, and understanding control systems that heat and cool buildings.
School Comparison: At a Glance
The Kentucky training centers listed below offer HVAC programs to prepare students for a career in the HVAC industry. Let’s take a look at the different schools:
Interactive College of Technology
Offers an HVAC Technician program.
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
Offers several HVAC certificates as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology.
Ashland Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates, including Environmental Control System Servicer.
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology and HVAC Mechanic diploma.
Western Kentucky Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
Maysville Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
Big Sandy Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
Madisonville Community College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology and several HVAC certificates.
Owensboro Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
Hazard Community & Technical College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology, HVAC Mechanic diploma, as well as multiple HVAC certificates.
College for Technical Education
Offers a Building Trades Technician program, which combines HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical courses.
Offers a one-year HVAC Technology program.
Offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering.
Offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering.
Steps for Enrollment in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
To legally perform any HVAC services in Kentucky, you must at minimum possess a Certificate of Apprenticeship and work under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning issues HVAC licenses for HVAC apprentices, journeyman HVAC mechanics and master HVAC contractors. Additionally, apprentices must register with the Division of HVAC to get a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
To become eligible for a journeyman license, apprentices must demonstrate two years of HVAC work experience under a licensed master HVAC contractor or one year of on-the-job training combined with one year of trade school.
To earn a master HVAC contractor license, candidates must work for two years as a licensed journeyman under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
HVAC professionals anywhere in the country, including Kentucky, 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 Kentucky’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Kentucky HVAC License.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Kentucky
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 Kentucky? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC technician salary in Kentucky for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $50,400
Intermediate 2-4 years: $58,000
Senior 4-6 years: $66,100
Supervisor > 7 years: $86,100
For more information about HVAC salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
In Kentucky, HVAC apprenticeships last two years and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license.
HVAC union apprenticeships serving Kentucky include:
United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs
UA Local 502 in Louisville
Kentucky Laborers’ Training Fund in Lawrenceburg
LU 248 Education & Training Center in Summit
Other School Options
In addition to HVAC training opportunities in Kentucky, there are several schools in neighboring Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee offering HVAC courses, including:
Fortis College in Indianapolis, IN
Columbus State Community College in Columbus, OH
Tennessee College of Applied Science in Nashville, TN
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an HVAC technician in Kentucky. The opportunities are all around you.
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