Learn how becoming a refrigeration (HVAC) apprentice can lead to a promising career
It may surprise jobseekers to learn that working in the facility services industry can lead to an advantageous full-time position. By 2029, the employment rate is expected to grow by 4% for HVAC techs and by 6% for facility managers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. One of the best ways to gain hands-on experience is to learn on the job. That’s why we launched an apprenticeship program in the spring of 2018.
Investing in the Future of Facilities Management
As part of our mission at UG2, we are committed to the professional development and ongoing learning of our employees. Our goal is to set the new standard of excellence in our industry. We aim to build a team of passionate, hardworking, and dedicated people who understand and deliver exceptional service.
Another aspect of our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leadership in facility services. That’s why we partner with several educational institutions in Massachusetts, to source quality candidates to join our ranks.
How Our Apprenticeship Program Works
Our apprenticeship program is registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards. In as little as three years, our refrigeration (HVAC) apprentices can complete the program, assuming they meet all the annual requirements to progress.
To fulfill the program’s requirements, each apprentice is expected to:
- Register with the Office of Public Safety and renew this registration annually
- Complete 150 learning hours annually
- Complete a minimum of 1500 working hours in the field under the supervision of our licensed Operations and Maintenance (O&M) leadership
- Attend mandatory check-in meetings
- Complete all required Safety Trainings mandated by the UG2 Safety Training Program
- Be receptive to feedback and incorporate it into their practice
- Take advantage of additional learning opportunities, such as UG2 sponsored Massachusetts Maritime Academy onsite trainings in the spring and fall, our Operations and Maintenance (O&M) department trainings throughout the year, and tuition reimbursement program
Doing an apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to get real-world experience in all aspects of maintenance and operations work, from troubleshooting issues to relationship management to learning best practices. Apprentices are mentored and monitored by some of the most talented industry professionals and O&M leaders in New England, and the results speak for themselves. There is nothing more rewarding than to create pathways to licensure for members of our team and to see them grow and evolve professionally. If you are interested in pursuing a career in facilities management and would like to learn more about our apprenticeship program, contact us!