Trade Schools
This page provides information about the best HVAC schools in the state of Vermont and the programs they offer.
By reading further you will learn more about what to expect in terms of tuition costs, curriculum, and duration.
Most programs focus on hands-on training and combine classroom instruction with laboratory work to get students familiar with real work situations.
If you’re passionate about mechanics and you enjoy working with your hands, we invite you to explore the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and see if it is a good fit for you.
1Center for Technology, Essex
About the School
Center for Technology, Essex offers training programs in automotive technology, building technology, computer systems technology, dental assisting, health professions, and a variety of other career paths.
Courses Offered
The Center for Technology offers the following HVAC programs through its Skill Tech division:
HVACR Technician Training Program- this program is 28 weeks long and includes 168 hours of instruction covering topics such as:
- Tool and Applications
- Heating Systems
- Electricity and Motor Controls
- Cooling and Refrigeration
This program is designed for students who want to enter the HVACR field and for those who want to continue post-secondary training at Vermont Technical College.
Graduates are referred to employment interviews with one of the school’s partners.
Students can receive credit at VTC towards an associate degree.
This program is nationally accredited through Partnership for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Accreditation.
This program costs $3,400.
Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Contact Information
- Address: 2 Educational Drive, Suite 200, Essex Junction, VT 05452
- Phone: 802-879-5558
- Website: https://www.ewsd.org/CTE
2Green Mountain Technology & Career Center
About the School
Green Mountain Technology & Career Center offers educational programs that prepare students for a wide range of career paths.
The center offers courses that prepare eligible 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students for college and careers.
Students earn credits towards high school graduation as well as free college credits.
Certifications are also available.
Programs for adult students are also available.
During the admission process, applicants must submit the following documents: an online application, a completed admission form, a high school transcript, and the most recent report card/ mastery report.
Courses Offered
The center’s catalog provides a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program.
This program includes courses on Refrigeration Physics, Refrigeration Cycle, Refrigeration Tools, Pipe Fitting, Soldering & Brazing, Combustion Theory, Technical Math, Technical Health, Employability Skills, and more.
The following industry credentials are also available:
- OSHA 10
- National Oilheat Research Alliance Bronze Oil Heat Technician
- EPA 608 Safe Refrigerant Handling
- Alive @ 25
Contact Information
- Address: 738 VT-15, Hyde Park, VT 05655
- Phone: 802-888-4447
- Website: https://gmtcc.lnsd.org
3Stafford Technical Center
About the School
Stafford Technical Center offers training in a variety of career areas.
Dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credit and adult education programs are available at the Center.
Adult students meet once or twice per week for two to four hours per session.
Courses Offered
The College’s Electrical/Plumbing program is designed to prepare students for apprenticeships or college.
This program combines classroom study and practical application.
Students who attend this program earn Certifications and skills that help them start careers as plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and a variety of other related professions.
The following Certifications are available:
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification
- American Heart Association HeartSaver
- First Aid/CPR with AED
- EPA Refrigeration Certificate
Students who complete 90% of the Core Competencies also receive a certificate from Stafford Technical Center.
Contact Information
- Address: 8 Stratton Road, Rutland, Vermont 05701
- Phone: (802) 770-1033
- Website: https://staffordonline.org
4Vermont Technical College
About the School
Vermont Technical College offers training programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture, engineering, nursing, management, and other areas of study.
Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree pathways are available.
The college also provides a Career & Technical Education program and apprenticeships.
Tuition and fees sum for 2022-2023 up to $16,539 for undergraduate programs except for Dental Hygiene, International, Nursing, Paramedicine, Radiologic Science, and Online programs.
These charges include full-time enrollment of 12-19 credits per semester.
Vermont Technical College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a wide range of programs, including:
- Mechanical Engineering Technology- a 65-credit program that leads to an Associate of Engineering degree.
- Renewable Energy- a 120-credit Bachelor of Science program with classes such as:
- Renewable Energy Heating
- Fundamentals of Fluids and Thermodynamics
- Basic Electricity
- Energy Systems and Sustainability
- HVAC Systems
- And many more
- Architecture and Building Technology- a 65-credit A.A.S. program
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 500, 124 Admin Drive, Randolph Center, VT 05061
- Phone: (800) 442-8821
- Website: https://www.vtc.edu
5Southwest Tech
About the School
Southwest Tech offers a wide range of learning opportunities for students in the Bennington County Region.
14 three-year daytime programs are currently available.
Introductory classes are also offered for 9th and 10th-grade students.
In addition, Southwest Tech provides adult and continuing education courses and online programs.
Courses Offered
Southwest Tech provides a Building Trades program that can be completed in two or three years.
Students learn the necessary skills to enter the construction field.
The program covers both carpentry and electrical wiring.
The curriculum includes classes in blueprint reading, construction safety procedures, hand and power tool operation, cable and device installation procedures, light switching, electrical code, and more.
Students also learn about residential supply and waste plumbing and HVAC systems.
A Manufacturing Technology pathway that teaches students how to safely work with milling machines, lathes, CNC machines, welders, and other equipment is also available.
Contact Information
- Address: 321 Park Street, Bennington, VT 05201
- Phone: (802) 447-0220
- Website: https://svcdc.org
6River Valley Technical Center
About the School
River Valley Technical Center offers career and technical education programs in a variety of fields.
Students enrolled at the center gain employability skills and get ready for college and a career after high school.
The programs provide high school and college credits and have access to industry-recognized credentials.
Courses Offered
The Center provides an Advanced Manufacturing/Engineering pathway that prepares students for lucrative careers.
Students enrolled in this program learn a wide range of skills, including blueprint reading, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, precision measurement, electricity and electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics, fabrication and assembly, and more.
Trainees can earn up to 16 credits through the Running Start Program at River Valley Community College and NH Technical Institute-Concord.
Up to six credits are also available at the Community College of Vermont for the Certified Production Technician preparatory class.
An Industrial Trade pathway is also included in the school’s catalog.
This program prepares students for a variety of construction-based opportunities in Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Welding.
Among many other skills, industrial trade students learn about residential circuits, copper pipe soldering, mini-splits/boilers, and a variety of other welding applications.
Contact Information
- Address: 307 South Street Springfield, Vermont 05156
- Phone: (802) 885-8300
- Website: https://www.rvtc.org
7Central Vermont Career Center
About the School
Central Vermont Career Center provides carer training programs in a variety of fields.
Training programs are available for high school students and adults.
The Center has served students in the Green Mountain State since 1969.
Courses Offered
The Building Trades program prepares students for careers in general construction.
Students enrolled in this program learn the principles and skills of general carpentry by building a five-piece modular home and other projects.
The following academic opportunities are available:
- Associated General Contractor Carpentry Certification
- Occupational Safety and Health 10-hour Certification
An Electrical Technology pathway is also available.
This program provides training that prepares students for work in construction and maintenance projects.
OSHA 10 Certification is offered, as well as:
300-hour credited toward the Vermont Electrical Registered Apprenticeship program
The opportunity to sit for the first year of the Vermont Electrical Apprenticeship test.
Contact Information
- Address: 155 Ayers Street Suite #2, Barre VT 05641
- Phone: (802) 476-6237
- Website: https://cvtcc.org
8Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center provides programs for both high school and adult students in Addison County, Vermont.
Courses Offered
The Center’s catalog includes a Construction Technology pathway that covers classroom lessons and shop experiences designed to teach students about structural, mechanical, thermal, and design components.
The program also covers foundational construction skills, such as blueprint reading, safety, and tool use.
Graduates are ready for entry-level employment in carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry, and energy efficiency.
The program is available for students in grades 11th and 12th and includes 120 minutes of training daily.
The following industry-recognized credentials are also available: OSHA 10, Forklift Certification, Lead Abatement Certification, and Skills USA.
A Fundamentals of Natural Gas program is also available for adult students.
This program costs $650 and covers topics such as:
- Combustion Theory
- National Fuel Gas Codes
- Venting
- Hazard Recognition
- Electricity & Natural Gas Applications
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 72 Mainelli Road, Middlebury, VT 05753
- Phone: 802-382-1012
- Website: https://www.hannafordcareercenter.org
9Burlington Technical Center
About the School
Burlington Technical Center offers education programs in advanced manufacturing, auto body repair, automotive science and technology, health sciences, and a variety of other career paths.
High school and adult education programs are available, as well as continuing education classes.
Courses Offered
The Center provides a program in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering for a Sustainable Future that teaches the fundamental aspects of manufacturing, engineering, and design processes through academic education and hands-on practices.
Students can prepare for careers as process technicians, machinists, welders, assemblers, weld inspectors, construction workers, engineers, and many other manufacturing and engineering positions.
An Automotive Science and Technology program is also available.
The courses included in this pathway prepare students for a wide range of positions in the automotive sector, including Automotive Service Technicians, Heating and Ventilation Technicians, Plumbers, Electricians, Small Engine Technicians, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 29 Church Street LL, Burlington, VT 05408
- Phone: (802) 864-8426
- Website: https://btc.bsdvt.org
10North Country Career Center
About the School
North Country Career Center is one of sixteen regional technical centers in Vermont.
The Center offers education and technical training to high school and adult students.
13 career and technical education programs are available for Lake Region Union High School, as well as home schools and private school students.
Courses Offered
The Center’s catalog includes a Building Trades pathway available for students in grades 11 and 12.
Classes take place for 120 minutes daily.
The following industry-recognized credentials can be earned during the program:
- OSHA 10 Construction
- NCCER Core
- ACT National Career Readiness Certificate
Students enrolled in this program learn how to use building materials, print reading, construction-related math, construction procedures, and many other skills.
After class instruction, students work on actual construction projects in the community and apply the procedures learned in class.
A Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures (HVACR) program are also available for adult students.
The cost of this program is $800.
This class tests students for EPA 608 Certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 209 Veteran’s Ave, Newport, VT 05855
- Phone: (802) 334-5469
- Website: https://nc3.ncsuvt.org
Regional Salary in Vermont
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 430 | $61,390 | $29.51 | $82,120 | $41,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of top HVAC schools in Vermont it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style, budget, and career aspirations.
Take your time and make an informed decision.
