HVAC Technician Apprentice - The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is partnering with Educate Maine to offer apprenticeships to individuals looking to gain experience and build a career within the JAX Facilities & Maintenance department. Those who complete their apprenticeship will have the opportunity to continue their employment at JAX as journeymen-level HVAC Technicians. This is a year-round program in which apprentices are full-time, paid JAX employees. Opportunities to work part-time during the school period and full time within school breaks will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

HVAC Technician Apprenticeship – Are you interested in building your knowledge and skills to start a career as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician? Apprentices will learn on the job over the course of one year in a specially designed in-house training program along with supplemental classroom learning at Eastern Maine Community College. Apprentices will learn and work closely with subject matter experts and mentors. Apprentices will learn and perform essential job functions related to:

• Trade cross-training (electrical, automation, utility plant, mechanical, plumbing, etc.)
• Air handling systems operations and maintenance
• Mechanical systems maintenance (belt-driven, shaft-driven, compressed air, and small furnace systems)
• Air conditioning and refrigeration preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs
• HVAC systems design review
• Workplace safety and basic tool best practices
• Project management and technical leadership roles and responsibilities
• Customer service and client communication skills and responsibilities

Expectations:

• Satisfactorily complete 2,000-2,250 hours of on-the-job training at JAX (approx. 1 year of full-time work)
• Attend and satisfactorily complete required job-related technical instruction (144 hours at Eastern Maine Community College). Instruction dates/times will be arranged in advance and incorporated into apprentices’ work schedules at JAX. Financial support will be provided by JAX and Educate Maine.
• Take and pass the EPA 608 Universal Certification exam and receive Confined Space Certification. Exam costs will be covered by JAX.

Benefits – Apprentices will receive:

• On-the-job training (OJT) in a well-paying, meaningful job that can support you long-term and provide opportunities for advancement. OJT consists of supervised learning of a clearly defined set of industry skills by a subject matter expert and assigned mentor.
• Foundational knowledge through relevant instruction classes that you can quickly and easily apply to your OJT.
• Progressive wage increases throughout your apprenticeship as you gain and demonstrate mastery of skills. The starting wage is $20.00 per hour. As apprentices progress through the program and learn and master critical knowledge and skills, their wage will increase. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices will expect to earn the experienced worker wage of $23.36+ per hour.
• An industry-recognized, transferrable credential of value (certificate) upon successful program completion. This credential will be awarded by the State of Maine and is equivalent in value to a degree or other professional certification. It is valid for life and recognized by any employer in the United States.
• Access to additional professional development and networking opportunities through Educate Maine’s Maine Career Catalyst program.
• Credit towards your apprenticeship for previous experiences, such as completion of related classes, work experiences, or certifications (if eligible).
• Access to support services, financial or otherwise, from Educate Maine to aid in the successful completion of your apprenticeship (as needed).

Eligibility – Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET)
• Successful candidates do not need prior HVAC experience. However, prior related experience can certainly be a positive factor. Apprentices with prior experience may be awarded credit towards their apprenticeship program.
• With or without assistance, be able to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects and job-related materials and/or equipment.
• Be able to bend, squat or crouch, crawl, kneel, stoop, stretch and stand and/or work in cramped areas for prolonged periods of times while repairing equipment both at floor level, overhead, and/or in confined spaces.
• Be able to climb stairs and ladders (both inclined and vertical).
• Be able to enter manholes, vaults, and other classified and unclassified confined spaces. A respirator and/or specialized personal protective equipment may be required to access certain confined spaces.
• Be able to obtain certification in confined space entry or be able to qualify within 6 months of starting the apprenticeship. The Jackson Laboratory will assist in scheduling the certification exam and will pay for any associated costs.

How to apply: Please submit your online application here: https://thejacksonlaboratory.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External_JAX/details/Facilities-Apprentice--Eastern-Maine-Community-College-_JR002469?jobFamily=59b9547f829f10014aebac373d6d0000

Note- Please disregard that the application mentions EMCC/MMA and the requirement that the apprentice be enrolled in one of the programs listed -- that is no longer the case.