Trade Schools
This page compiles information about the best schools that offer HVAC training in the state of Rhode Island.
Before being ready for employment in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, you have to complete specialized post-secondary training at a trade school or community college.
Classes are also available for high school students who want to earn dual credit.
To help you make an informed decision, on this page we have compiled information about the best HVAC schools in Rhode Island.
If this is the path you want to follow, we encourage you to complete thorough research and gather information about all the relevant factors before deciding where to enroll.
1MotoRing Technical Training Institute
About the School
MotoRing Technical Training Institute offers educational programs in HVAC/R, Electricity, Automotive, and a variety of other fields.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age upon graduation.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is also required.
MotoRing Technical Training Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and approved by the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education.
Courses Offered
The Institute’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
This program is designed to be completed in 30 weeks by day students and in 75 weeks by evening students.
The HVAC/R course is recognized and approved by the RI State Apprenticeship Council and the Department of Labor and Training for Pipefitting and Refrigeration in Rhode Island.
The program prepares students for the EPA Universal Certification exam.
Graduates are also eligible to take licensing exams to earn an RI Oil Burner Technician License and the RI Gas Technician License.
Contact Information
- Address: 1241 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771
- Phone: 508-336-6611
- Website: https://www.mtti.edu
2New England Tractor Trailer Training Center
About the School
New England Tractor Trailer Training Center provides CDL License and HVAC Training in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The school is located off the I-95, just outside of Providence.
All campuses of NETTTS are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The HVAC/R program available at NETTTS is designed to provide students with electrical and mechanical knowledge and help them develop the skills needed for employment as entry-level technicians in the field.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to install, adjust, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair residential and commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
The training hours count towards a Refrigeration, Pipe Fitter, Natural Gas, and Propane License, as well as EPA Universal License Prep and Exam.
The program also includes oil burner service training.
Daytime and evening training options are available to accommodate different schedules.
Students receive a set of HVACR tools and equipment.
Trainees also have access to at-home 3D HVAC Simulation training.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 & 600 Moshassuck Valley, Industrial HW, Pawtucket, RI 02860
- Phone: (401) 725-1220
- Website: https://nettts.com
3Providence Career & Technical Academy
About the School
Providence Career & Technical Academy is a premier technical high school that provides students with academic education and state-of-the-art technical training in a variety of in-demand industries.
Nine programs are available at the Academy.
After completing training, students graduate with both a high school diploma and industry-recognized certifications.
The program teaches the skills that prepare students for employment right after graduation.
Courses Offered
The school provides an HVAC & Plumbing program.
Freshmen and sophomore students take the core curriculum as well as plumbing/level one.
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning curriculum is available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Seniors take Plumbing level two and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Level Two.
HVAC Sheet Metal Level One is open to students of all grades.
The course curriculum covers topics such as:
- Introduction to HVAC
- Trade mathematics
- Soldering and brazing
- Basic carbon steel piping practices
- Copper tube and fittings
- Alternating current
- Basic maintenance
- And many other subjects
Contact Information
- Address: 41 Fricker Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Phone: (401) 456-9136
- Website: https://www.providenceschools.org/PCTA
4New England Institute of Technology
About the School
New England Institute of Technology offers hands-on training programs taught by industry experts.
A variety of degree and certificate options are available.
The learning is immersive and centered on student success.
New England Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The Institute’s catalog includes an Associate of Science in Refrigeration- Air Conditioning- Heating Technology.
This program covers the basic theory and practices of refrigeration/air conditioning and heating in a hands-on laboratory setting.
The curriculum combines two areas: refrigeration/air conditioning and heating- both in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Students have the opportunity to share classes with their colleagues in architecture, construction management, welding engineering, and other trades programs.
A Plumbing and Heating Technology program is also available at the New England Institute of Technology.
This program combines training in heating in residential, commercial, and industrial settings with plumbing in residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
The Plumbing part is distributed over four terms, while the Heating part of the program is distributed over four terms.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI 02818
- Phone: 401-739-5000
- Website: https://www.neit.edu
5Community College of Rhode Island
About the School
Community College of Rhode Island offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs in a variety of industries.
The programs can help students start their journey to a four-year university or a career in a high-demand field right after graduation.
Programs are available in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, Newport and at the College’s satellite campus in Westley.
In-state tuition is $210 per credit for Fall 2022.
The registration fee is $30.
A high school diploma or equivalent is not a general requirement for admission if the applicant is above 18 years of age.
Students who don’t have a high school diploma have the opportunity to complete their GED through a program available at the college.
If the applicant is under 18, a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes the following engineering-related programs:
- Associate in Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Design
- Certificate in Manufacturing and Design
- Engineering Systems Technology- with three different paths: Electrical, Energy Utility, and Mechanical
- Energy Utility Technology
- Technical Studies- Associate in Applied Science
- And more
A CCAF HVAC/R Apprentice course is also available.
Contact Information
- Address: 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886 (Knight Campus)
- Phone: 401 825-1000
- Website: https://www.ccri.edu
6Irys School of Technology & Trades
About the School
Irys School of Technology & Trades offers hands-on education in Newport, Rhode Island.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
Tuition (direct cost) for the Marine Systems program, which can be completed in six months, is $19,000.
Tuition is 34,200 for the Combined Program in Composites Technology and Marine Systems.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes a Combined Program in Composites Technology & Marine Systems.
This program can be completed in as few as 11 months and is designed to equip students with hands-on skills needed for an in-demand career in the marine industry.
Irys School of Technology & Trades is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College.
The curriculum covers topics on Electrical and Electronic Systems, Marine Pumps, A/C and Refrigeration, Plumbing Systems, Composites Repair & Refinishing, and many other topics.
There are two programs available as part of this pathway:
- Composite Technology- this program includes classes on Composites Applications, Lab Operating Procedures, Molding Process Design, Open Molding Technology, Introduction to Composites Tooling, and more.
- Marine Systems- this program covers Shop Safety and Tool Use, Electrical Fundamentals, Basic & Advanced Installation, Troubleshooting, Piping and Plumbing, Marine Pumps, Fuel Systems, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems, Marine Electronics Installation and Troubleshooting, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 449 Thames StreetNewport, Rhode Island 02840
- Phone: 401.848.5777
- Website: https://www.iyrs.edu
7Technology Learning Center
About the School
Technology Learning Center HVAC/R Trade School offers flexible HVAC/R training programs in Oxford, Massachusetts.
Online education and onsite corporate training programs are available.
The Center’s curriculum combines theory, practical training, and application.
Technology Learning Center is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following programs are included in the school’s catalog:
- HVAC Technician
- Welding Technology
- Facilities Technician
- Steam Engineering
- Waste Water Treatment
- And more
The HVAC technician program combines hands-on training, practical experience, and industry support needed to help students start rewarding careers in this field.
The program is hosted in an 8,000-square-foot TLC facility.
The following HVAC/R- related programs are available:
Technician Program- with classes in:
- Residential Oil Heat Technology
- Residential Gas Heat Technology & Services
- Industrial & Commercial Refrigeration Theory and Lab
- Air Distribution & Quality
- Refrigerant Transition Recovery EPA Certification
HVAC/R and Facility Maintenance Program- which covers courses on:
- Residential Oil Heat Technology
- Residential Gas Heat Technology & Services
- Industrial and Commercial Refrigeration Theory and Lab
- Electricity & Electrical Code for Registration License
- Air Distribution & Quality
- Refrigerant Transition Recovery with EPA Certification
The following stand-alone HVAC/R programs are also available:
- Combined Residential Gas & Oil Heat
- Industrial & Commercial Refrigeration Theory & Lab
- HVACR Electricity & Electrical Code for Registration License
Contact Information
- Address: 11 Buffum Dam Rd. Oxford, MA 01540
- Phone: 508-987-1852
- Website: https://www.tlcedu.com
8Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 51
About the School
Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 51 offers training programs for the plumbing, pipefitting, and refrigeration industries.
Local 51 is a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industries in the United States and Canada.
The Union has a state-of-the-art training center where continuing education is available for journeymen.
The apprenticeship training program combines 10,000 on-the-job hours with 248 classroom hours- which exceeds the number of hours required for licensure in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Courses Offered
Local 51 apprentices have access to training programs in three areas:
- Plumbing
- Pipefitting
- HVAC Refrigeration Service
Local 51 refrigeration technicians are trained with the skills, expertise, and education needed to fix any HVAC problem that may arise in commercial or residential buildings.
Trainees learn how to prevent breakdowns and other problems by performing regular, scheduled maintenance on heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, and refrigeration equipment.
Students also learn how to work with systems that can be found in clean rooms, pharmaceutical plants, food processing plants, and every other building or factory.
Contact Information
- Address: 11 Hemingway Dr. East Providence, RI 02915
- Phone: (401) 943-3033
- Website: https://www.ualocal51.com
9New England Institute of HVAC
About the School
New England Institute of HVAC offers training programs in Massachusetts for those who want to enter this field and for workers who want to keep up with the latest technological advancements.
Comprehensive 13-week HVAC classes are available throughout the year.
The programs are designed to train students in all aspects related to HVAC services, repair, and installation.
The day program costs $6,975 in total and includes books, tuition, and tools.
The night program costs $5,975 in total.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the HVAC curriculum:
- Basic Electricity- Ohm’s Law, Schematic Symbols, Timers, Low Voltage Wiring, and other electricity-related topics
- Oil Heat- Major Components, Troubleshooting, Primary Controls, Basic Oil Wiring, Venting Basics, and other oil heat-related topics
- Gas Heat- Troubleshooting, Condensing Furnaces, Gas Furnace Wiring, Sizing Furnaces, and other subjects about gas heat systems
- Miscellaneous Heating- Hydronic, Forced Hot Air, Zone Controls, Introduction to Thermostats, and many other topics
- EPA Certification and Testing- Universal Certification Preparation, System Recovery, and Charging, Vacuum Pump Operation, and Official EPA Test Proctored
- Residential Refrigeration- students learn about Basic Tools, Soldering and Brazing, Window A/C, Dehumidifier, System Troubleshooting, and many other skills
- Commercial Refrigeration- Pump Down Cycle In-Depth, Pressure and Temperature Controls, Superheat and Subcooling, Commercial System Troubleshooting, and more
- Central A/C and Heat Pumps- Recovery, Evacuation, Basic A/C Wiring, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump Repair, and other related topics are covered by this course
Contact Information
- Address: 240 Smith Street, Lowell, MA 01851
- Phone: 978-735-4979
- Website: https://newenglandhvac.com
10Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology offers skill-building training programs in Boston, Massachusetts.
These programs are designed to prepare students for employment.
Courses Offered
The Institute offers a nine-month, 800-hour certificate program.
This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for careers as technicians in the HVAC/R industry.
The program is available in both day and evening schedules.
Students also receive test preparation for the EPA certification.
An R-410 A certificate and a 10-hour OSHA Safety certificate are also available after completing this program.
The certificate meets the state requirements for 2,000 hours to be used toward the 6,000 field hours needed to sit for the Refrigeration technician exam.
The curriculum covers topics on:
- Principles of Refrigerants
- Solder and Braze Pipes
- Flare and Swage Tubing
- Test pressure
- Troubleshooting Commercial and Residential Units
- And more
Students also earn 100 hours of electrical code.
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 41 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02116
- Phone: 877-400-2348
- Website: https://www.bfit.edu
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 1,370 | $64,010 | $30.78 | $81,780 | $46,850 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Rhode Island is home to many educational institutions that prepare students for rewarding careers in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Most programs focus on hands-on training and get students ready for employment and certification exams right after graduation.
It’s up to you to decide what format best meets your needs and career aspirations.
