Trade Schools
This page compiles information about the top Maine schools that provide training in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for HVAC mechanics and installers was $52,050 as of May 2021.
Salaries vary between less than $38,000 and more than $62,000, depending on experience level, education, and a variety of other factors.
Most workers in this field start with a post-secondary training program or an apprenticeship.
The duration of the training varies between less than one year and five years.
We invite you to read our selection and find out more about the courses available in your region.
1Northwest Technical Institute
About the School
Northwest Technical Institute is a career training school that allows students to graduate in less than a year.
The programs available focus on teaching students the skills employers are looking for.
Its HVAC-R program covers the knowledge required for the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and light commercial systems.
The training process includes three steps:
The first step consists of an admissions interview where applicants learn about student life, courses, and payment options.
Afterward, applicants enroll in the program of their choice.
After graduation, students receive one-on-one help with finding a job.
NTI offers flexible classes to fit students’ busy schedules.
The HVAC/R training program lasts 30 weeks and includes 66 credits.
Students learn about safety standards, home and business systems, installation, repair, maintenance, and electrical wiring.
Trainees learn in fully-equipped shops with standard tools and many HVAC/R units.
Northwest Technical Institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 51 US-1 Suite K, Scarborough, ME 04074
- Phone: 800-447-1151
- Website: https://ntinow.edu
2MEMA Technical Education Center
About the School
MEMA Technical Education Center prepares students for high-demand jobs.
The Center is owned and operated by more than 300 Maine and New England member companies who participate in the educational program by designing, donating equipment, and hiring graduates.
The training focuses approximately 50 percent of the time on working with equipment similar to the one seen in the field.
Tuition assistance is available for qualifying students.
Courses Offered
The following heating and air conditioning programs are available:
- HVACR Professional Certification- an intensive program that helps students earn EPA Certification, Propane Licensure, and 200-Hour Oil Heat Certificate
- Propane and Natural Gas- students who complete this program earn National Propane Gas Association certification which is needed for state licensing endorsements
- AC/Refrigeration- this is a three-part program:
- Part One- A four-day course that covers EPA Certification and an Introduction to Air Conditioning
- Part Two- A five-day course that covers AC Refrigeration and Troubleshooting
- Part Three- A 40-hour training session
- Oilheat Training- This program gives students the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion in just six weeks
- Heatpump Training- a 40-hour class that focuses on installation, operation, and service of ductless mini-split heat pump systems
Contact Information
- Address: 25 Greenwood Road, Brunswick, ME 04011
- Phone: (207) 729-5298
- Website: https://mtecenter.com
3Eastern Maine Community College
About the School
Eastern Maine Community College awards associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in more than 30 fields.
Programs last between one and two years, depending on the track.
Eastern Maine Community College is a publicly supported, post-secondary institution that is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Eastern Maine Community College catalog includes a Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program that covers installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating equipment, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving.
The following licenses and certifications are also available:
- Limited Electrician in Refrigeration License
- EPA Refrigeration Certification
- Oil Burner Journeyman License
- Propane/Natural Gas License
Algebra I is required as a prerequisite for this class.
Algebra II, Geometry, and Physics or Chemistry classes with labs are also recommended.
Contact Information
- Address: 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401
- Phone: 207-974-4600
- Website: https://www.emcc.edu
4Southern Maine Community College
About the School
Southern Maine Community College offers a wide range of applied technology degrees and certificates.
It is Maine’s oldest and largest community college and enrolls nearly 6,000 students.
SMCC provides 40-degree programs at two campuses and seven satellite locations.
Southern Maine Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The College provides the following HVAC-related programs:
- Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration- a program that leads to an Associate Degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing
- Heating- a Certificate program that includes classes in Print Reading, Basic Electrical Principles/Electronics for HVAC
- Residential Heating, English Composition, College Algebra and Trigonometry, and many other subjects.
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Certificate
Costs vary depending on the type of program.
Tuition for the one-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program is $3,290.
Contact Information
- South Portland Campus: 2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106
- Phone: 207-741-5500
- Midcoast Campus: 29 Sewall Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011
- Phone: 207-844-2102
- Website: https://www.smccme.edu
5Central Maine Community College
About the School
Central Maine Community College offers a wide range of career, technical, and transfer programs.
It is located close to many attractions, such as lakes mountains, ice skating, restaurants, and theaters.
Central Maine Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Central Maine Community College offers programs in a variety of fields, including:
- Plumbing and Heating Technology- a program that includes:
- Hands-on training in plumbing and heating equipment
- Sizing of potable water and distribution systems
- Blueprint interpretation
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration- with courses in:
- Hands-on training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration
- Diagnostics and Servicing
- Blueprint reading
- Externship
Associate of Applied Science and one-year certificate programs are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 1250 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine
- Phone: 207.755.5100
- Website: https://www.cmcc.edu
6UA Local 716
About the School
UA Local 716 offers apprenticeships in three trades: plumbing, HVAC, and pipefitting.
Programs are five years long and allow students to earn a salary while they learn.
During training, students are mentored on the job by journey workers and also attend the school for classes.
To qualify for an apprenticeship, students must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and Maine residents
- Attend an Info session
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have at least a GED or High school diploma
- Pass a drug screen before being hired
The Union has a state-of-the-art training facility and program that helps plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVAC techs get the skills and certifications they need for success in their careers.
Those interested can download applications for their specific trade through the union’s website.
Entrance interviews are held when new vacancies occur.
Contact Information
- Address: 21 Gabriel Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
- Phone: (207) 621-0555
- Website: https://local716.org
7Northern Maine Community College
About the School
Northern Maine Community College provides more than 30 degree and certificate programs that prepare students for the workforce and lifelong learning.
According to the college’s website, more than 90 percent of its graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes a Plumbing and Heating program.
During the first year, the program teaches students how to install and service domestic water pumps, plumbing fixtures, and portable water lines.
Students are eligible to sit for the Maine Journeyman exam and receive a Journeyman in Training License.
The program also includes courses in heating, refrigeration, propane, natural gas, solar heating systems, and heat pump installation.
Students are also ready for the Maine Journeyman’s exam for national certification in propane, natural gas, and refrigerant handling.
Applicants need a high school transcript and or HiSET/GED scores.
Applicants who have attended other post-secondary schools also need official college transcripts.
Placement testing may be required if the applicant doesn’t have SAT scores.
An individual interview is also required, and a campus tour is recommended before admission.
Northern Maine Community College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle, Maine 04769
- Phone: 207-768-2700
- Website: https://www.nmcc.edu
8Kennebec Valley Community College
About the School
Kennebec Valley Community College offers training programs at four campuses: Alfond, Buker, Fairfield, and Rockland.
Tuition is $96 per credit hour for Maine residents.
Additional fees include a $75 enrollment confirmation, a comprehensive fee that is 10% of course tuition, a $3 per credit hour activity fee, and a $75 per degree graduation fee.
Kennebec Valley Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a wide range of degree and certificate programs that prepare students for a variety of fields.
Two-year programs are available in Sustainable Construction, Applied Engineering Technology, Plumbing, and many other fields.
Short courses are also available.
The 40-hour Heat Pump Installer Training course takes place on Alfond Campus and costs $995.
An EPA 608 Refrigerant Certificate self-study program is also available and costs $195 (which includes reading materials, a live review session, and the cost of the exam).
Contact Information
- Address: 92 Western Avenue, Fairfield, ME 04937
- Phone: (207) 453-5822
- Website: https://www.kvcc.me.edu/
9Region 9 School of Applied Technology
About the School
Region 9 School of Applied Technology is a member of Maine’s network of career and technical education schools.
Hands-on, career-ready programs are available in a variety of fields.
Its Building Construction program combines classroom instruction with shop and field experience.
Students learn a variety of skills, including:
- Proper and safe use of tools and machines
- Building materials
- Local building codes and regulations
- Selection and preparation of building sites
- Basic framing, roofing, and siding
- Students may also learn about pneumatic tools, basic masonry, basic electrical wiring, career preparation, and entrepreneurship.
Occupations related to this course are available in the following fields: carpentry, masonry, HVAC and solar HVAC, Civil Engineering, Plumber, Flooring, and more.
A CTE Exploratory program is available for 9th and 10th-grade students.
This semester-long program teaches students basic workplace skills, such as job safety, quality vs. quantity, customer service, teamwork, and more.
Prospective students can download an application from the school’s website.
Contact Information
- Address: 377 River RdMexico, ME 04257
- Phone: (207) 364-3764
- Website: https://www.region9school.org
10Washington County Community College
About the School
Washington County Community College provides training in a variety of programs of study.
Its catalog includes a Heating Technology program that includes 36 credit hours.
This program prepares students for careers in the heating industry.
The skills covered include:
- How to assemble, maintain, and repair heating systems following the code specifications set by the National Fire Protection Association
- How to safely and efficiently use tools and materials
- Blueprint reading, mathematics, soldering, and more
After graduation, students are ready to take the State of Maine journeyman oil burner license examination and are qualified for employment with heating contractors, fuel oil companies, and other fields.
Tuition is $96 per credit hour for Maine residents.
Additional fees include academic course fees, technology course fees, student document fees, recreation fees, liability insurance, and graduation fee.
The application is free.
Washington County Community College is one of seven colleges in the Maine Community College System.
Contact Information
- Address: One College Drive, Calais, ME 04619
- Phone: 207 454 1000
- Website: https://www.wccc.me.edu
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 180 | $56,860 | $27.34 | $73,670 | $40,230 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 200 | $62,220 | $29.91 | $77,480 | $45,220 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 740 | $59,340 | $28.53 | $76,910 | $46,160 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Maine is home to many schools that offer HVAC-related training.
Now that you have read our list, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your budget, schedule, and learning style.
