Trade Schools
The field of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration offers a variety of career options for those who are passionate about mechanics and fixing things.
Before being ready to apply for your first job in the industry, the first step is to complete some specialized training and earn a diploma, certificate, or degree in the field.
This page compiles information about the top schools that offer training programs for Wyoming residents who want to start a career in the HVAC field.
We invite you to read further to find out more.
1Gillette College Technical Education Center
About the School
Gillette College Technical Education Center is home to the Gillette College technical programs.
Its 91,000 square feet campus houses educational programs in mining, machine tool, diesel, welding, industrial technology, and more.
The college offers a diesel lab, welding lab, industrial electronics labs, a high-voltage lab, a “sandbox” where students learn about vehicles and safety, and a shop with manual and computerized machine tools.
This allows students to prepare for new careers using industry-standard equipment.
Courses Offered
Gillette College Technical Education Center provides a variety of programs, including:
- Construction Technology Associate of Applied Science
- Construction Technology Certificate
- HVAC Apprenticeship Certificate
- And more
The HVAC Apprenticeship program includes 24 program credits in total.
The program can be completed in four years, with six credits achieved each year.
This curriculum combines online and laboratory educational components.
The program meets the requirements approved for HVAC Apprenticeships.
It can be used in combination with the 2,000-hour-per-year work requirement needed to meet the yearly standards set by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, Wyoming Department of Labor for those who want to sit for the journeyman’s exam.
Contact Information
- Address: 3251 South 4-J Road, Section A, Gillette WY, 82718
- Phone: 307-675-0781
- Website: https://www.sheridan.edu/about/facilities/gillette/technical-education-center
2Northwest College Wyoming
About the School
Northwest College Wyoming provides workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities in a wide range of areas of interest.
Its main campus is located in Powell and covers 132 acres and 62 buildings.
The following off-campus locations are also available: A.L.Mickelson Field Station, Cody, and Trapper Arena.
Northwest College Wyoming is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
An HVAC Apprenticeship is available through the college’s Center for Training & Development.
This is a four-year program that prepares students for the Journeyman’s test.
Students participate in classroom lessons, where they learn from industry experts and complete the rest of their apprenticeship training on-the-job at the worksite of their employer.
During the apprenticeship, students earn a wage.
Apprenticeships usually require 576 related instruction hours and 6,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Students have to complete 144 hours of classroom education per year.
The classes for the HVAC apprenticeship provided by Northwest College Wyoming take place online and in the classroom.
To qualify for admission, apprentices must be at least 16 years of age.
A high school diploma or GED is recommended but not required.
Contact Information
- Address: 231 West 6th Street, Powell, Wyoming, 82435
- Phone: 800-560-4692
- Website: https://nwc.edu
3Western Wyoming Community College
About the School
Western Wyoming Community College offers more than 63 pathways that lead to degrees and over 42 certificate programs.
Tuition is $150 per credit hour for Wyoming residents.
Western Wyoming Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Students can pursue a variety of majors in:
- Business and Computer Technology
- Manufacturing and Industry
- STEM
- Healthcare Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
The Manufacturing and Industry pathway offered by the Western Wyoming Community College includes automotive, diesel, electrical & instrumentation technology, plant operations, and other fields of interest.
The following Manufacturing and Industry programs are available:
- Diesel Technology- this program covers courses on Automotive Electrical Systems, Heating, and Air Conditioning, Automotive Electronics, Diesel Engines, and more
- Electrical Apprenticeship
- Industrial Maintenance Technology Mechanics, Hydraulics Option
- Maintenance Mechanic Certificate for Industry
- Natural Gas Compression Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2500 College Drive, Rock Springs, WY 82901
- Phone: 307.382.1600
- Website: https://www.westernwyoming.edu
4Casper College
About the School
More than 140 degree and certificate programs are available at Casper College.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program and the credits included in each pathway.
For in-state students, tuition and fees sum up to $147 per credit hour as of the Fall 2022 semester.
Casper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Casper College catalog includes the following construction and manufacturing programs:
- Construction Technology- students can choose between an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate
- Electrical Apprenticeship
- Machine Tool Technology- a program that includes classes in Blueprint Reading, Math Computations, Engineering Graphics, Metallurgy, and many other topics
- Manufacturing and Automation Technology
- Technical Education- an Associate of Applied Science program with classes in Basic AC/DC Electronics, Concepts of Physics, Foundations of Education, and many other topics
- And more
An Automotive Technology pathway is also available and it can lead to a Certificate or Associate of Applied Science.
This program also covers Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning.
Contact Information
- Address: 125 College Drive, Casper, WY 82601
- Phone: 307-268-2100
- Website: https://www.caspercollege.edu
5WyoTech
About the School
WyoTech offers programs in Automotive Technology, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, and Diesel Technology.
Students enrolled in these programs have the opportunity to earn many different certifications.
The Diesel Technology program available at WyoTech can be completed in six months and covers four courses plus a specialty program.
The instruction includes classes in the following major topics:
- Engines
- Engine Management and Refrigeration
- Power Trains
- Fluid Power and Electrical
- Specialty Program
The Refrigeration course covers a full history of modern-day refrigeration systems, including the topics on Principles of heating and cooling, servicing, and troubleshooting of refrigeration systems.
Students have the opportunity to earn EPA 608 and 609 certifications when they complete the Engine Management and Refrigeration course.
During the program, trainees spend 60 percent of their training time in the shop, learning hands-on the skills needed for a profession in this field.
WyoTech is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges- an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The nine-month Auto/Diesel Technology program includes 60 credit hours and costs $29,000
Contact Information
- Address: 1889 Venture Drive, Laramie, Wyoming 82070
- Phone: 307-742-3776
- Website: https://www.wyotech.edu
6Laramie County Community College
About the School
Laramie County Community College offers educational programs that prepare students for employment in a variety of in-demand careers.
The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Laramie County Community College catalog includes a Credit Diploma in Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning/Refrigeration.
This program prepares students for careers in construction trades as HVAC technicians.
After completing the program, graduates can choose to apply for employment in entry-level positions or continue their studies toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Among many other skills, students learn how to use safety rules and regulations that apply to the HVAC field, how to evaluate the electrical characteristics of HVAC/R equipment, and demonstrate the uses of motors and motor control circuits in HVAC/R equipment.
The curriculum covers subjects on:
- Mechanical Piping
- Heating & Air Conditioning Principles
- Residential Air Conditioning Systems
- Motor Controls
- Electric Motor Circuits
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1400 E College Dr – Cheyenne, WY 82007
- Phone: 800.522.2993
- Website: https://www.lccc.wy.edu
7University of Wyoming
About the School
If you want to earn a Bachelor’s degree in mechanics or another engineering field, the University of Wyoming offers programs and majors in more than 200 areas of study.
Education costs vary depending on the program.
The estimated tuition at the university is approximately $2,800 for a nine-credit semester.
Mandatory fees sum up to $792 per semester.
The University of Wyoming is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a wide range of programs, including Bachelors of Science in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- And more
The ABET-accredited Energy Systems Engineering program includes courses in:
- Calculus
- Dynamics
- Electrical Circuit Analysis
- Fluid Dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Mechanics of Material
- Numerical Methods for Engineers
- And many more
A variety of electives are also available, including:
- HVAC Systems Analysis and Design
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning of Buildings
- Combustion Engineering
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Solar and Geothermal Engineering
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
- Phone: (307) 766-1121
- Website: https://www.uwyo.edu
8College of Eastern Idaho
About the School
Training opportunities are also available in the neighboring state of Idaho.
One such alternative is the College of Eastern Idaho.
Its catalog includes a variety of programs of study designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand fields, such as trades, healthcare, technology, and more.
Courses Offered
Associate Degree and Certificate programs, as well as apprenticeship readiness programs, are available in a wide range of industries.
The apprenticeship readiness programs available through the College’s workforce training division allow students to combine hands-on on-the-job training with classroom education
An HVAC apprenticeship lasts four years.
The classroom instruction part takes place two nights per week from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and teaches students about tools and materials, blueprints reading, construction math, work readiness, OSHA 10, and many other topics.
Apprenticeship costs sum up to $850 per year plus fees.
After completing the four-year program, students are ready to apply for a journeyman license.
Those interested in applying to the College of Eastern Idaho can enroll by visiting the college’s website.
The professional licensure program is also available online for those living outside Idaho.
Those interested are recommended to check their state licensure requirements before beginning the program.
The college’s catalog also includes:
- Light Duty Diesel Technology
- Heavy Duty Diesel Technology
The Light Duty program also teaches students about automotive HVAC system safety, maintenance, and repair.
Students can earn an Advanced Technical Certificate in 22 months or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in 29 months.
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- Phone: (208) 524-3000
- Website: https://www.cei.edu
9Mountainland Technical College
About the School
HVAC training programs are also available at Mountainland Technical College in Utah.
With more than 50 programs and courses included in its catalog, Mountainland Technical College provides a variety of educational options for those who want to start rewarding careers in technical fields.
The college is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes an HVAC apprenticeship that is available at the Orem campus and takes two years to complete.
Apprentices learn techniques used when installing new equipment as well as the skills and knowledge to repair and troubleshoot existing equipment.
The apprenticeship includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
The on-the-job training part takes place at an outside employer.
The classroom instruction is held at one of MTECH’s campuses.
In the classroom, apprentices learn the theoretical and practical aspects of the trade.
Before enrolling in the program applicants must take the MTECH entrance assessment which is free and takes one hour to complete.
To be eligible for enrollment in the apprenticeship program, students must work at least part-time for an HVAC company.
However, unemployed first-year students may still register for courses if there is space available.
The following certificates are available for students enrolled in this program:
- MTECH HVAC Apprenticeship Program Certificate
- EPA Certification
- RMGA Certification
Contact Information
- Address: 1410 West 1250 South, Orem, UT 84058
- Phone: 801-753-6282
- Website: https://mtec.edu
10U.S. Career Institute
About the School
U.S. Career Institute offers self-paced certificate and degree programs.
The online career training school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Courses Offered
A fully online HVAC program is available and can be completed in as few as four months.
Students learn the procedures and techniques for installing, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems.
Graduates receive a U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion.
The school also helps students with the nationally recognized EPA 608 certification exam.
The EPA Section 608 Type I, Type II, and Type III exam fees are included in the program tuition cost.
This credential is required for HVACR technicians who handle, work or buy refrigerants.
The standard tuition for the HVAC program is $1,539, with monthly payments of $79.
Tuition is $1,239 if paid in full.
There is no set class schedule- students can learn at their pace.
The tuition includes access to instructors, learning materials, and career support.
Contact Information
- Address: 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- Phone: 866-250-6851
- Website: https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu
Regional Salary in Wyoming
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | 100 | $53,970 | $25.95 | $77,510 | $37,320 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 160 | $55,480 | $26.67 | $77,470 | $37,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to learn the ins and outs of the HVAC field through a paid apprenticeship, a certificate, or a degree program, the Wyoming region offers several educational options at reputable institutions.
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue with the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
