Tuition: $6,000 (Grant funding opportunities may be available with registration)
Class Dates: January 19, 2027 - April 23, 2027
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays • 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Labs are held on 7 Saturdays
Spring Break:No classes March 29 - April 2
Mandatory externship: April 19–23, 2027, Monday through Friday, 40 hours
Location: NCMC Martin Jahn Technical Center Classroom and Lab
Fast Track HVACR Level 1: Core + HVACR Foundations introduces students to the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration through NCCER-aligned classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and supervised field experience. Students develop foundational skills in jobsite safety, construction and trade mathematics, hand and power tools, construction drawings, rigging, material handling, basic electricity, heating, cooling, air distribution, copper and steel piping, soldering, brazing, and HVACR system components.
NCCER Core and HVACR Level 1 competencies are taught concurrently, allowing students to apply foundational construction skills directly to HVACR systems and equipment throughout the program. Hands-on training becomes more intensive during the second half of the course, preparing students for entry-level employment and continued progression through advanced HVACR training levels.
Mandatory Employer Externship:
The program concludes with a required 40-hour externship with an approved local heating, cooling, plumbing, or refrigeration company. Students gain supervised exposure to real-world HVACR operations, including equipment inspections, system maintenance, safe tool use, heating and cooling systems, basic electrical diagnostics, piping, airflow, customer service, and workplace safety.
Students must complete all required externship hours and documented course competencies to successfully finish the program. Employer placements and schedules will be coordinated prior to the final week.
Program Completion:
Students who successfully complete the program will receive an NCMC Certificate of Completion documenting 200 hours of NCCER-aligned training, including classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and the required externship.
The program supports a stackable pathway toward NCCER-recognized credentials, advanced HVACR training, and entry-level technician opportunities. Completion does not automatically guarantee an industry certification or employment, and employers may require additional testing or qualifications.
Regional Wage and Labor Benchmarks
Based on the current data, which was gathered from seven Northern Michigan counties, the current Regional Median Wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is $52,673. The National Median Wage for this field is $59,800.
This 14-week program includes:
• Required safety equipment for student use
• Hands-on training in NCMC's HVACR laboratory
• Mandatory 40-hour employer externship
• Assistance with grant opportunities to cover tuition
• Access to NCMC facilities and learning resources
• Assistance with job placement
Students must come dressed for HVACR lab work every class.
Required Student Attire:
Long pants / work pants
Closed-toe work boots / Safety-toe boots
Required PPE as directed by the instructor
Important: Attendance at scheduled Saturday labs and completion of the final-week externship are required components of the program.
