Apprenticeships

About the HVAC/R Program

HVAC is a registered apprenticeship program. The Mid-Valley HVAC/R JAT Committee, MA #2026, contracts with Chemeketa to administer the HVAC/R program and provide courses, under the guidance of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).

How to Apply

The HVAC/R Committee is normally open for applications in the spring and summer, based on industry need. Openings are announced for 30 days before applications are accepted. Classes begin in the fall. First-year classes are open to the public.

Opening announcements are posted on this website. If you're interested in applying, call 503.399.5255 or email apprenticeship@chemeketa.edu to be added to the waiting list to receive opening notifications.

Successful applicants are sent to apply with employers based on points received during the application process. Once hired, applicants are registered as apprentices.

While waiting for an opening, potential applicants may compile a portfolio of documentation required for program entry, including –

  • Diploma or GED certificate
  • Transcripts from high school and college
  • Placement test scores
  • Work experience documented on letterhead with the tasks listed and years of service (construction related)
  • Trades and safety certificates
  • For Veterans, a copy of the DD214 long form

Women, Veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

HVAC/R (heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration) combines sheet metal and electrical work involving –

  • Installation
  • Wiring
  • Service and repair of environmental control systems
  • Fabrication and installation of ductwork
  • Refrigeration installation, repair and brazing
  • Successful graduates qualify for LE/B licensure and Brazing Industry certification.

How Much Can You Earn?

The average journey-level wage for 2022 is $29.95 an hour for MA #2026 HVAC/R training agents.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum of one year of high school algebra with a grade of 'C' or better or placement into Math 70 or higher on Chemeketa's Placement Test
  • High school math equivalent is Math 60 and Math 70 taken at Chemeketa Community College
  • At least 18 years of age
More Info

About the Sheet Metal Program

Sheet Metal is a registered apprenticeship program. The Mid-Valley Sheet Metal Committee, MA #1060, contracts with Chemeketa to administer the Sheet Metal program and provide courses under the guidance of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

How to Apply

The Mid-Valley Sheet Metal Committee is open for applications based on industry need. Openings are announced for 30 days before applications are accepted at the Apprenticeship Office at Chemeketa. Successful applicants are ranked and sent out to apply for openings with program employers.

Opening announcements are posted on this website. If you're interested in applying, call 503.399.5255 or email to be added to the waiting list to receive opening notifications.

While waiting for an opening, you may compile a portfolio of documentation required for program entry, including –

  • Diploma or GED certificate
  • Transcripts from high school and college
  • Placement test scores
  • Work experience documented on letterhead with the tasks listed and years of service (construction related)
  • Trades and safety certificates
  • For Veterans, a copy of the DD214 long form

Women, Veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Sheet metal workers design, create, install and repair sheet metal products, including roofing, gutters and siding. They fabricate and install fittings and ductwork used in the construction industry for heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Successful sheet metal apprentices earn their journey-level card.

How Much Can You Earn?

The average journey-level wage for sheet metal workers working for program training agents for 2022 is $28.19 per hour. There is an opportunity for two pay raises per year during the program.

Qualifications

  • Proof of age: 17 years or older
  • High school diploma or GED Certificate
  • High School transcript with 1 year of algebra or equivalent with grade “C” or higher, OR one post high school algebra course with a grade “C” or higher OR place into Math 070 or higher on the Chemeketa math placement test
More Info

Great Benefits for Our Employees

Mike's Heating and Air offers several benefits for employees that are not within their probationary period. Once an employee is no longer in their probationary period the company offers the following benefits:


The company offers medical benefits for employees after 60 days of employment. The company pays 75% of the premium and dependents, spouse, etc. can be added at the employee’s expense. The employee will receive a packet to fill out prior to their 60 days and the paperwork will need to be filled out stating if the employee would like to enroll or not. The company’s current medical provider is Samaritan Health Services.


The company offers dental benefits for employees after 90 days of employment. The employee will receive paperwork prior to their 90 days and this paperwork is required to be filled out stating whether or not the employee would like to enroll into the dental program. The employee is responsible for 100% of the premium and can add dependents, spouse, etc. at the employee’s expense. The company’s current medical provider is The Standard Insurance Company.


The company offers a Simple IRA plan after 6 months of employment. The company matches up to 3% to the Simple IRA plan. The employee will receive paperwork prior to 6 months of employment and the paperwork is required to be filled out stating whether or not the employee would like to enroll in the Simple IRA plan.


The company currently pays for 7 holidays after 90 days of employment. The company pays 8 hours for each holiday and the holidays that are paid are Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. The company will not pay an employee holiday pay if they either call in or leave early the day before or after a holiday however if the employee requests the days off per the ‘Requested Days Off’ form then the company will still honor holiday pay.


If Service Technician/Journeyman/Apprentice – Personal Tool Account:
The company offers a personal tool account for employees after 90 days of employment. The personal tool account is for employees who would like to purchase a personal tool and add it to their account and then make payments on the account.


At Mike's Heating and Air, we’re big believers in continued education for our team!
The Mike's Heating and Air (“MIS”) Education Assistance Program (EAP) provides non-taxable financial support to employees who pursue professional growth and development through education. This policy is intended to be a qualified educational assistance program pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code [26 USC 127] and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Regulations [26 CFR 1.127-2). The IRS requires that the tax-exempt program be maintained separate from any other MJS educational assistance program. EAP does not discriminate between employee classifications; favor higher compensated employees over other employees, or favors one type of qualified educational pursuit over another.

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If you think you might be a great fit for our team, we want to hear from you! To learn more about becoming a part of the Mike's Heating and Air family, please fill out an employment application today.
Apply Today!