MANASOTA AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION OFFERS ONE-YEAR ACCELERATED HVAC APPRENTICE PROGRAM

The Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACCA) announces the launch of its new One-year HVAC Apprenticeship Program at Manatee Technical College. The goal of the program is to help HVAC businesses meet the demand for skilled labor by offering accelerated training. The program provides accelerated, competency-based training two nights a week (Tues./Thurs.) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for 43 weeks with an on-the-job training component.

Competency-Based Training (CBT) is a learning model where students must demonstrate the required level of knowledge and skill on a task prior to advancing to the next task. CBT is broken down into small units that are focused on specific skills, helping apprentice students acquire skills and knowledge so they can perform a specified standard under certain conditions.

Participants gain experience and learn new skills required of the residential HVAC/R installation and service trade. Instruction is provided in the evening, while the apprentice is working in the HVAC field during the day. To meet on-the-job training requirements, supervision by a fully qualified journey worker is provided by the employer, who is responsible for making work assignments, providing on-the-job training, and ensuring safety at the worksite.

MACCA’s one-year program is approved by the Florida Department of Education as a registered apprenticeship program. Apprentices who successfully complete the program will receive the same state certification as our three-year program, in addition to OSHA-10 HR, EPA-608, NATE (Core and Air to Air Heat Pump) certifications.

Our three-year program at the Suncoast Technical College is still available for apprentices who may find it difficult to participate in training two nights a week. The three-year program classes are held one night a week from 5:00-9:00 p.m. for 36 weeks at both the Sarasota and North Port campuses.

For the trainee, an apprenticeship can offer the opportunity to create a career in a skilled trade, receive higher wages, and better employment outcomes. For the employer, apprenticeship programs are a reliable workforce solution to train and retain employees.

Employment by a sponsoring HVAC company is required to participate in the three-year and one-year programs to meet the on-the-job training requirements. If you are currently employed outside of the HVAC field or unemployed and are interested in a career in the HVAC Industry, we can help. Visit MACCA.us/Education/HVAC Apprenticeship.

About MACCA MACCA's mission statement is the guiding principle of the association: To better the quality and public image of the Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry through the proper training of apprentices and to promote excellence, knowledge, and support within the HVAC industry. The association’s continuous focus on their training programs has helped to build highly skilled employees, reduce turnover costs, increase productivity, and create company loyalty.

Please visit: MACCA HVAC Apprenticeship for registration and details.

If you have any questions, please call the MACCA office at 941-404-3407.