HVAC-R Division

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HVAC-R Division

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Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective modern training method, particularly for those choosing to work in the exciting and technical HVACR service industry. The United Association has the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program in the United States, dating back to 1936 over 80 years ago! Individuals who enter a United Association five-year apprenticeship program are part of a select group of men and women motivated to learn a complex and challenging trade while upholding the ideals of trade unionism. Applicants are evaluated on the same fair basis, without regard to race, sex, national origin or religious affiliation. UA apprentices learn through both classroom and on the job training in what is considered by many to be the best construction industry apprentice program in the world. One of the things that make the UA training programs so successful is that it is a joint partnership between labor and management.

The five-year apprenticeship period is divided into one year segments, each of which includes a minimum of 1,800 hours of on the job training and 200 hours related classroom/shop instruction. That equates to 9000 hours of on the job training and 1000 hours of related classroom/shop instruction.

UANJ apprentices attend school for classroom, computer and shop instruction for a full eight hour day every two weeks, and work for a signatory HVACR contractor for on the job training the other nine days. There are over 180 Union HVACR Contractors in the UANJ jurisdiction. The UANJ Apprentice will work on the job under the guidance of a Journey worker on real installation and service jobs. The Training program is not easy. UANJ Apprentices must learn Math, Science, Theory, Physics, Electrical & Mechanical Troubleshooting and Computer Literacy in addition to mechanical concepts and procedures. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive 32 college credits, a diploma from the NJ Dept. of Labor and the United Association, Universal CFC certification, OSHA 30 training, UA STAR HVACR Mastery certificate as well as various other certificates pertaining to the trade. All HVACR training classes are conducted in Hazlet, NJ UANJ apprentices must work long sometimes irregular hours the same as journeymen plus attend classes. Yet, this can be a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the HVACR trade and become an active member of a proud and noble trade union.

Application Process Step-by-Step for HVAC-R apprenticeship.

1. Appear in person during the advertised application period.

(generally once a year in September)

2. Have copies of the correct documents in hand.

3. Fill out application on premise

4. Receive Aptitude Test Ticket with date and time of test

5. Appear for Aptitude Test with I.D. and correct form of payment

(WorkKeys Related Math and Workplace Documents)

6. -Earn a Score of 5 or greater on both sections of the Aptitude Test and receive a letter in the mail for a scheduled interview.

-Receive <5 on either section = Re-apply next year.

7. Selection of Apprentices made based on score of Interview.

(notified by mail)