Veterans may apply to the program at any time if they meet the minimum qualifications of the program. 

Please contact the Apprenticeship Department if you qualify - 

1. Members of the Regular services who were discharged from active duty service with a DD214 indicating an Honorable Discharge; or
2. Members of the Selected Reserve or Individual Ready Reserve with a DD214 indicating an Honorable Discharge; or
3. Members of the Oregon National Guard with a DD214 indicating an Honorable Discharge; or
4. Members of the Oregon Coast Guard with an Honorable Discharge.

Applications open to the public are based on industry need.

• Announced 30 days before accepting applications
• Posted on this website

Classes begin in the fall term.  First and second-year classes are open to the public. You may only apply for the program during an opening, which is two times per year.  Women, Veterans, and minorities are encouraged to apply. 

Notify Me

Interested in applying? Sign up using the Notify Me link to be alerted of the next opening, and you will receive the application packet by email for the next opening.

Successful applicants

Complete applications are ranked based on points received during the application process. You will be sent out in rank order to apply to work for our employer partners.

The Mid-Valley HVAC/R Committee, MA 2026, does not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or age (18 or older). The Committee takes affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity, per this plan and Title 29 CFR Part 30.

Apprenticeship math requirement

Math assessment is not required if you have completed one year of Algebra in high school or college with a C or higher. When applying for an apprenticeship program, provide a copy of your unofficial transcript to the Apprenticeship Office with your application for proof. 

If you need the math placement assessment, email placement@chemeketa.edu and request the test for Apprenticeship.

Other questions or concerns? Contact apprenticeship@chemeketa.edu

Working conditions

You work indoors and outdoors. Workspaces range from outdoor scaffolding to crawl spaces inside walls. Apprentices complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training to qualify as an HVAC/R technician.

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

• Installation
• Wiring
• Service and repair of environmental control systems
• Fabrication and installation of ductwork
• Refrigeration installation, repair and brazing

How much can you earn?

The average journey-level wage is $38.45 per hour for MA #2026 HVAC/R training agents.

This wage is updated each year in February.

 Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 18 years of age
• Math (one or more items below qualifies)
  1. Minimum of one year of high school algebra with a grade of 'C' or better
  2. OR--placement into Math 70 or higher on Chemeketa's Placement Test
  3. OR--High school math equivalent is Math 60 and Math 70 taken at Chemeketa Community College

Training

This is a four-year program that combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with concurrent related-training credit courses two nights a week (currently Wednesday and Thursday). Apprentices earn 15 academic credits a year and attend classes in the fall, winter and spring.

Additional training

Successful graduates qualify for LE/B licensure and Brazing Industry certification.

Additional degrees

Credits can be applied to a Certificate or AAS degree and can transfer to OIT for a BS degree.

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

• 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

Suggested high school and college classes to prepare for your career

Trade

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction
• Drafting/CAD
• Welding 

 Math

• Algebra I & II
• Geometry
• Trigonometry

Other

• CPR/First Aid
• OSHA 10

Brazing class 

We regularly offer Brazing classes - 

• generally 4-week classes
• online with an in-person final
• options include full test as well as retakes of only the written or practical portion

Contact us if you would like to be notified about the next class -

• email us your name, number and email contact
• or call 503.399.5255

Visit the following websites for more information.

• Oregon Apprenticeship
• Bureau of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship and Training Division
• Oregon Tradeswomen
• MA #2026 Standards of Apprenticeship