Florida HVAC company launches paid apprenticeship program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Florida air conditioning company has launched a 12-month, paid HVAC training/apprenticeship program geared toward entry-level trainees with no experience.

TradeUp Academy, an HVAC Registered Apprenticeship Program, was launched today by Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric of Jacksonville.

According to the firm, its apprenticeship program allows participants to gain experience, learn new skills, and support themselves financially while studying and receiving on-the-job training.

“We are excited to launch TradeUp Academy and be a part of the solution to turn around skilled workforce shortages while providing workers with a quality job and competitive living wage,” said Brad Kelly, Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric President.

An apprenticeship can offer a cost-effective alternative to the college track for the trainee. And for the employer, apprenticeship programs are a reliable workforce solution.

Apprentices in the TradeUp Academy are considered full-time employees of Snyder earning a competitive wage while receiving a minimum of 2,000 hours of firsthand technical training, according to the announcement by Snyder.

Participants are also eligible for benefits after an introductory period.

Snyder said its program is unique to similar local apprenticeships because the trainee moves through the program in only 12 months.

TradeUp Academy is geared toward an entry-level contractor – no experience required. Participants who have some industry experience or training are also encouraged to enroll.

Trainees follow a path towards certification that starts with online classes for technical studies and in-class lectures from industry experts, then move on to ride-alongs for field observations.

Lastly, Snyder said participants go out into the field in their truck with support – a system in which the trainee can call in for assistance or request an experienced technician come to their job site to offer assistance.

TradeUp Academy was recently approved by the Florida Department of Education and is pending approval from the US Department of Labor, Snyder said.