Trade Schools
If you’re passionate about mechanics and want to learn how to install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, this page is for you.
Here we compiled information about the top HVAC schools in Michigan.
Most programs can be completed in less than one year and get you ready for the licensure exam.
Dual credit opportunities are also available at some schools to allow students to earn college credit while preparing for a new career.
Most training institutions offer financial aid options to help students cover tuition costs.
Flexible schedules are very common, and some programs combine online instruction with hands-on laboratory work.
We invite you to read further and find out more.
1NorthWestern Technological Institute
About the School
NorthWestern Technological Institute offers HVAC training programs.
The curriculum teaches the fundamental skills of HVAC/R and mechanical trades and is taught by experienced instructors.
Students learn the skills need for a career in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning industry through hands-on training.
The program helps students prepare for four national certifications:
- EPA 609 Auto Air
- TracPipe Certification
- EPA 608 Universal
- R-410a Certification
Graduates are ready for entry-level employment in the field.
Students can graduate in only 10.5 months.
The curriculum covers classes in electrical, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, troubleshooting, installation, boilers, property maintenance, and heat pumps.
Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Contact Information
- Address: 24800 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075
- Phone: (248) 358-4006
- Website: https://northwesterntech.edu
2MIAT College of Technology
About the School
MIAT College of Technology has been providing students with technical career training since 1969.
Students learn on a campus equipped with equipment that can be found in real-life settings.
MIAT College of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Courses Offered
MIAT College of Technology catalog includes an HVAC/R program designed to be completed in nine months.
This program teaches students how to install, repair, maintain and repair Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration systems.
Students learn the science of heating and cooling processes, while also gaining awareness of safety procedures, familiarity with the tools used in this trade, and the ability to perform a variety of techniques.
The program includes both classroom lectures and hands-on practice.
The curriculum covers courses on:
- Schematics Use and Interpretation
- Tool Introduction and Application
- Piping and Fitting Basics
- Sheet Metal and Fiberglass Ductwork
- Air Handling and Hydronics
- Heating Fundamentals
- Air Conditioning
- Customer Relations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2955 S. Haggerty Road, Canton, Michigan 48188
- Phone: 800-447-1310
- Website: https://miat.edu
3HVAC U, LLC
About the School
HVAC U, LLC is a post-secondary technical trade school approved by the State of Michigan.
Students learn from trained and certified instructors the skills needed for a career in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Courses Offered
Training programs are available in the following fields: HVACR, Electrician, Energy Auditing, Power Engineering, and Proctoring Services.
The HVACR program can be completed in 40 weeks and equips students with employability skills.
The curriculum covers topics on:
- OSHA 10-Industry and Safety
- HVAC Tool Use and Applications
- Basic Electricity- students learn the skills needed when reading basic blueprints and troubleshooting equipment
- Air Conditioning Technology- this part teaches students how air conditioning works
- Heating Technology- students learn about the process of heating and humidifying air
- Refrigeration Technology- this part covers the process of cooling spaces
- Hydronic Heating- students learn how liquid fluid works as a medium for providing heat
Contact Information
- Address: 18311 W 10 Mile Rd. Ste 103, Southfield, MI 48075
- Phone: (248) 450-3105
- Website: https://www.hvactrain.com
4Detroit Training Institute of Technology
About the School
Detroit Training Institute of Technology offers training programs in a variety of fields.
Its programs blend traditional academic content with hands-on applied concepts.
Classes are kept small and students learn from experienced professionals.
Courses Offered
Detroit Training Institute of Technology catalog includes a Heating and Cooling program.
This program can be completed in 16 weeks and is designed for students who want to start a career in the HVAC field.
Trainees learn the skills needed to obtain the EPA 608 Universal Refrigeration certificate.
The curriculum covers:
- Type 1 and Small Appliance Repair
- Refrigeration
- Repair and Maintenance of Residential Furnaces and Air Conditioning systems
- 608 Testing
- Thermostat Installation
- And more
Students receive a set of tools needed for this class.
Contact Information
- Address: 14701 Harper Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48224
- Phone: (313) 527-9740
- Website: http://www.dtitschool.com
5Kellogg Community College
About the School
Kellogg Community College offers a variety of career and transfer programs in numerous areas of study.
The programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year universities or to help them earn complete degrees.
60 pre-professional transfer programs are available, 37 of which lead to associate degrees and 25 that lead to certificates.
Courses Offered
Kellogg Community College provides a Manufacturing, Skilled Trades & Applied Technology pathway that includes an Industrial Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
Students who attend this program learn how to install, maintain, and repair HVAC-R systems using professional equipment and a self-paced instructional method.
The program has one of the only a few low-pressure refrigerant trainers in Michigan.
The following Certificate and Associate Degree courses are available:
- Industrial Trades Certificate in HVAC-R- this requires 25 credits
- Associate in Applied Science: Industrial HVAC-R- 60 credits are required for the A.A.S. degree
An Industrial Trades Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science: Skilled Trades are also available for students who want to earn more generalized trade credentials.
Contact Information
- Address: 450 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017
- Phone: 269-965-3931
- Website: https://kellogg.edu
6Oakland Schools Technical Campuses
Oakland Schools Technical Campuses offer high school extension programs that help students prepare for a successful career.
Courses Offered
The Oakland Schools Technical Campuses catalog includes an Energy-Electrical Technology program that exposes students to all aspects related to energy and the electrical sector.
The program combines coursework with lab work.
Students get to apply their skills to residential and commercial electrical wiring.
The program teaches skills such as:
- Wiring and energizing residential and commercial projects
- Maintaining and securing a reliable electrical grid in collaboration with professionals
- Applying knowledge regarding renewable energies in an outdoor environment
The following licenses and certificates are available:
- OSHA 10
- Energy Industry Fundamentals
- Red Cross CPR and First Aid
Contact Information
- Address: Main Campus: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328
- Phone: 248.209.2000
- Website: https://www.ostconline.com
7Kent Career Tech Center
Kent Career Tech Center offers a variety of training programs in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and industrial technology.
Courses Offered
The Center’s catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
This program covers the basics of this industry, including the mechanics, circuits, controls, and programmable controllers used in commercial and residential settings.
Students also get to apply mechanical code to the planning and installation of systems.
The program also includes:
- Trade skills such as brazing, soldering, and iron pipe assembly
- Instruction regarding mechanical codes and how to apply them when planning and installing systems
- The role of this industry in environmental protection
- Furnace, air conditioners, refrigerators, boilers, and ice machines troubleshooting
A series of field trips will also take place to offer students the opportunity to get a closer look at different systems that can be found across the community.
Students can earn their EPA Section 608 Certification.
Articulated credit with local colleges is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 1655 East Beltline NEGrand Rapids, MI 49525
- Phone: 616.364.8421
- Website: https://www.thetechcenter.org
8Randolph Career and Technical Center
About the School
Randolph Career and Technical Center provides training programs that prepare students for employment in a wide range of in-demand industries.
The Center serves students in grades 10th-12th.
Students have access to work-based learning opportunities that allow them to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios.
Courses Offered
Randolph Career and Technical Center catalog includes a two-year Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
This program teaches students how to test and service air conditioning units and perform electrical, mechanical, and maintenance tasks.
Students also learn about the principles of air conditioning and refrigeration and the basic heat systems.
The curriculum is focused on the following learning segments: Electrical Theory and Safety, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Gas Heat, Oil Heat, Heat Pumps, Green Technology, Commercial Refrigeration, Trade Skills, Problem Solving, Integrated Learnship Skills, and Employability and Career Development.
Contact Information
- Address: 17101 Hubbell Street, Detroit, MI 48235-3942
- Phone: (313) 494-7100
- Website: https://www.detroitk12.org/RandolphCTC
9William D. Ford Career-Technical Center
About the School
William D. Ford Career-Technical Center offers courses that prepare students for employment in a variety of fields.
The programs also offer qualifying students the opportunity to earn college credits.
Courses Offered
The Center’s catalog includes a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program that is structured as follows:
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration I- this part takes one year to complete and covers the diagnosis, maintenance, installation, and repair of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems.
During the first year of training, students also learn about safety, basic electricity, electronics, refrigeration, air conditioning/ventilation, and how to use test equipment.
After completing the first part of training, students can move on to Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration II- which allows them to specialize in solid-state controls using state-of-the-art equipment.
The program also includes preparation for the EPA license exam.
Students who complete this program may earn college credits.
The program includes six credits in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 36455 Marquette, Westland, Michigan 48185
- Phone: 734-419-2100
- Website: https://www.wwcsd.net/schools/high-schools/william-d-ford-career-technical-center
10HVAC Bootcamp
About the School
HVAC Bootcamp offers a heating and cooling training program in Flint.
The program provides a NATE exam, NATE certification, and a CFC Section 608 exam.
The courses available at the Bootcamp cover different types of furnace and cooling systems.
Courses Offered
The HVAC Bootcamp is a 15-week program.
Classes take place once a week and last for four hours, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Students must fulfill the following requirements to qualify for admission:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a valid driver’s license, picture ID, and Social Security card
The school provides all the equipment and tools needed for this program.
To graduate, students need a grade of at least 70%.
Those who don’t complete the course can take it once again within a year, at no additional cost.
The classes are kept small and focus on hands-on training giving each student access to one-on-one instruction time.
Contact Information
- Address: 2907 East Court Street, Flint, MI 48506
- Phone: (810) 265-8174
- Website: http://www.hvacbootcamp.net
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 290 | $71,450 | $34.35 | $89,840 | $38,800 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 100 | $58,550 | $28.15 | $74,540 | $36,430 |
| Bay City, MI | 60 | $55,830 | $26.84 | $81,170 | $34,390 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 3,870 | $57,340 | $27.57 | $80,670 | $38,270 |
| Flint, MI | 330 | $60,820 | $29.24 | $83,350 | $36,550 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 1,620 | $55,940 | $26.89 | $80,350 | $37,200 |
| Jackson, MI | 130 | $61,830 | $29.73 | $81,080 | $36,560 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 290 | $61,710 | $29.67 | $78,880 | $37,870 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 550 | $58,810 | $28.27 | $82,890 | $37,040 |
| Midland, MI | 90 | $52,500 | $25.24 | $77,280 | $35,420 |
| Monroe, MI | 80 | $59,210 | $28.47 | $76,640 | $35,920 |
| Muskegon, MI | 170 | $64,330 | $30.93 | $81,370 | $37,080 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 160 | $59,720 | $28.71 | $84,340 | $35,900 |
| Saginaw, MI | 170 | $59,420 | $28.57 | $84,000 | $34,940 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Michigan is home to many trade schools that offer HVAC training programs.
If this is the path you want to follow, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs, learning style, schedule, and budget.
