Trade Schools
If you live in Indiana and want to start a career in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, this page is for you.
The Hoosier State is home to many trade schools and community colleges that can prepare you for a career in this field in less than two years.
Apprenticeship programs are also available and teach students the ins and outs of this profession through a combination of paid on-the-job and classroom training.
We invite you to read our list of top HVAC schools in Indiana to find out more about the available programs.
1AC/C Tech
About the School
AC/C Tech offers training related to appliance repair, electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning, interior and exterior building maintenance, swimming pool maintenance, and plumbing.
The training is a combination of online learning and on-the-job assignments.
Students who complete the programs earn can earn a certificate or degree, depending on the path they choose.
Trainees are recruited according to employers’ demands.
After being recruited, students are assigned to an employer’s community where they complete lab and on-the-job training.
Courses Offered
The following technical certificate programs are available:
- Intro to Apartment Maintenance
- HVAC Maintenance
- Swimming Pool Maintenance
- Electrical Wiring Maintenance
- Appliance Repair
- Interior/Exterior Maintenance
- Plumbing Maintenance
An Associate of Applied Science Degree in Residential and Apartment Technology is also available.
This program includes 1808 clock hours.
The 60-credit program includes 38 credits of technical courses, seven credits of technical electives, and 15 credits of general education.
Contact Information
- Address: 4415 Forest Manor Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226
- Phone: 317-545-7071
- Website: https://www.acctech.us
2Mechanical Skills, Inc.
About the School
Mechanical Skills, Inc. is a plumbing apprenticeship school in Indianapolis.
The program is four years long and includes classroom and hands-on training in the plumbing industry.
The classes are designed to take students from simple plumbing knowledge using in-depth plumbing design and implementation.
Classroom training is held one night per week, starting at 6 p.m. and lasts for three hours.
In total, there are 34 classes in a school year.
Class credit is given annually in increments of 144 hours.
Two absences per semester are allowed.
On-the-job training is recorded monthly with a signature from an approved journeyman.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including:
- First Aid
- Plumbing Tools
- Building Plans, Drawings, and Scale Rulers
- Blueprints and Specifications
- Study of Local Codes
- Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, and Detail Plans
- Heat Transfer in Water Heaters
- Basic Electricity, Electric Current, and Electric Motors
- Industrial and Institutional Service and Repair
- And many other topics
Contact Information
- Address: 3535 E Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201
- Phone: (317) 352-1189
- Website: https://www.mechanicalskills.org
3Porter County Career & Technical Center
About the School
Porter County Career & Technical Center offers technical, academic, and employability skills that prepare high school students for rewarding careers.
Dual credit programs are also available for students who want to earn college credits during high school.
This can prepare them for employment after graduation, apprenticeships, or college enrollment.
Opportunities are available for 11th and 12th-grade students in Career and Technical Education.
Classes are open to students enrolled in a public high school in Porter County.
Those interested can apply for enrollment through the school’s website.
Courses Offered
Dual credits are available in many different fields, including Construction Trades: HVAC.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to operate, install and repair home and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units.
This class is offered at Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso.
Contact Information
- Address: 1005 North Franklin Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383
- Phone: 219-531-3170
- Website: https://pccte.org
4Fortis College
About the School
Fortis College offers career-focused education programs that lead to a degree or diploma.
Its catalog includes an HVACR career training program that teaches students how to install, service, and troubleshoot today’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Among other topics, students learn computerized diagnostics of commercial refrigeration, gas heat, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems.
Graduates are ready for entry-level employment as HVAC/R Installers or Mechanics.
A technician in this field is responsible for maintaining a healthy, comfortable environment in different types of buildings.
The curriculum combines traditional classroom instruction with a practical learning experience.
To qualify for admission, in most cases, applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent.
A personal interview with the admissions staff is also part of the application process.
Fortis College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Financial Aid is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 9001 N. Wesleyan Rd. Suite 101, Indianapolis, IN 46268
- Phone: (317) 808-4800
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu
5South Indiana Career & Technical Center
About the School
South Indiana Career & Technical Center offers training programs that prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries.
Courses Offered
The Center provides programs that offer college credits.
Some programs also include industry credentials.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology I and II programs are available and provide students with classroom and laboratory experiences in HVACR systems.
Students learn how to design, develop, test, and install various systems.
The curriculum also covers blueprint reading, the use of technical reference manuals, diagnosis and repair of malfunctions, and the use of hand tools and machines.
The programs are available for students from the southern half of Spencer, north and south Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties.
Students from any of the above regions can apply for admission if a similar program is not available at their home school.
There are no requirements regarding previous experience for students who want to enroll in the HVAC program, but having some math skills will prove helpful during training.
Contact Information
- Address: 1901 Lynch Rd., Evansville, IN 47711
- Phone: 812-435-8438
- Website: https://sictc.evscschools.com
6Prosser Career Education Center
About the School
Prosser Career Education Center provides 24 different exciting Career and Technical programs.
Students can earn Indiana state licenses and nationally recognized certifications.
46 different certifications are available.
The equipment is updated continuously to make sure students learn how to work with the latest technology available.
Students participate in work-based learning activities, including job shadowing, externships, co-ops, and mock interviews.
Courses Offered
The Center’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning I & II program.
Students learn all the fundamental aspects of residential and commercial HVAC.
During the junior year, students take classes in Principles of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, HVAC Fundamentals, and HVAC Service.
Senior students study Construction Trades: HVAC II and an HVAC Capstone.
Tuition for high school students is paid for by the local school corporation.
Students enrolled in home school programs may be required to pay tuition.
Dual credits are available through Ivy Tech.
Contact Information
- Address: 4202 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN 47150
- Phone: 812-542-8508
- Website: https://prosser.nafcs.k12.in.us
7Ivy Tech Community College
About the School
Ivy Tech Community College offers more than 70 programs in a variety of fields of interest.
The College offers two-year programs for students who want to start a career fast or to get a more affordable start to a bachelor’s degree.
Classes are available at 21 locations in Indiana, such as Anderson, Indianapolis, Richmond, Linton, Seymour, and many other places.
Tuition is $149.55 for in-state students.
Ivy Tech Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology program that gives students the opportunity of training with actual furnace and AC equipment.
Students also learn new technologies, such as solar, geothermal, and HVAC automation.
An Associate of Applied Science and a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology Certificate is available.
Available are also:
- OSHA 10
- HVAC Excellence Federal Clean Air Act
- HVAC Excellence Electrical
- HVAC Excellence Heat Pump
- HVAC Excellence Gas Heat
- Green Awareness
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 50 W Fall Creek Parkway N, Indianapolis, IN 46208
- Phone: 317-921-4800
- Website: https://www.ivytech.edu
8Impact Institute
Impact Institute provides educational programs for high school and adult students.
Courses Offered
The Institute offers an Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC program.
This two-year program covers basic skills such as installation, ongoing operation, and troubleshooting of wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential settings.
The topics included in this program teach students about basic electricity, installation of wiring, outlets, switches, blueprint reading, sheet metal patterns, welding, soldering, and piping, among other skills.
Graduates are encouraged to continue their training through apprenticeship programs or technical schools.
Students who complete this program can earn a one-year credit towards an apprenticeship through the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 JATC program.
First-year students take the following courses- each one including three credits:
- Introduction to HVAC Technology
- Heating Fundamentals
- Basic Electricity
The second year of study covers the following topics:
- Refrigeration I
- Duct Fabrication and Installation
Students pay only for notebooks, paper, and other personal classroom supplies.
Contact Information
- Address: 1607 Dowling Street, Kendallville, IN 46755
- Phone: 260-349-0250
- Website: https://www.impactinstitute.net
9Wayne Township Adult Education
About the School
Wayne Township Adult Education offers free classes for students who qualify.
To qualify for scholarship funding, students must meet the following requirements:
Take the TABE test and score at NRS levels 4, 5, or 6
Accumulate at least 12 hours with the school to be considered an enrolled student
Complete a career training scholarship packet
Classes are free to students and the school assists those who set a career goal access scholarships that cover the cost of training with between $800 and $5,000.
Classes are available in Marion County and Hendricks and Morgan counties.
Those interested can complete a form on the school’s website and the school will contact you via phone or email.
Wayne Township Adult Education catalog includes an HVAC Certified Specialist for students who want to learn about heating and cooling systems.
Students enrolled in this class learn all the skills needed to become certified HVAC technicians.
Contact Information
- Address: 1155 S. High School Rd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46241
- Phone: 317-988-7975
- Website: https://adulted.info
10Peterman Top Tech Academy
About the School
Peterman Top Tech Academy is a trade school that offers programs for those who want to learn a skilled trade.
Graduates are ready to start a career at Peterman Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.
The Academy includes an HVAC curriculum designed to be completed in only seven months.
The school’s founders, the Peterman brothers, have been providing award-winning services to the central Indiana community since 1986.
The program combines live and virtual learning modules for a total of 620 hours of training.
Students are immersed in the trade through classroom work, lab time, and time with senior Peterman technicians.
The school’s instructors have spent a lot of time working in the trade they teach.
The Academy aims to provide the highest level of training possible by always looking for new technology and teaching methods.
A Plumber apprenticeship program is also available for those who want to learn to fix water heaters, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and other related tasks.
Contact Information
- Address: 5240 Commerce Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46237
- Phone: 317-620-0867
- Website: https://www.petermantoptech.com
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 210 | $61,050 | $29.35 | $86,520 | $37,860 |
| Columbus, IN | 60 | $51,460 | $24.74 | $75,560 | $36,780 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 260 | $57,610 | $27.7 | $84,390 | $37,040 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 570 | $55,270 | $26.57 | $81,910 | $35,660 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 570 | $54,190 | $26.05 | $80,040 | $36,280 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 2,560 | $57,530 | $27.66 | $85,240 | $36,830 |
| Kokomo, IN | 100 | $62,240 | $29.93 | $85,720 | $36,610 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 190 | $53,570 | $25.76 | $68,990 | $35,440 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 100 | $53,590 | $25.77 | $84,030 | $34,580 |
| Muncie, IN | 70 | $51,070 | $24.55 | $65,930 | $36,380 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 360 | $58,490 | $28.12 | $83,860 | $37,080 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 120 | $51,520 | $24.77 | $73,240 | $36,470 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
This is an important step, so make sure to gather information about all the relevant factors before making a decision.
