Build Your Future in Plumbing & HVAC!
Apprenticeship Program Updates
Join our Online Apprenticeship program! Enrollment is now open for our Summer Cohort!
Assessment testing is available. Testing will be available April 24 and May 12. Visit our Assessment Testing page for more details and to sign up.
See us onsite at Build My Future 2026. PHCC-IA is proud to sponsor this annual event focused on showcasing careers in skilled trades. (Cedar Rapids - April 28)
Start Your Career in Plumbing or HVAC
Earn While You Learn!
Start a hands-on, high-demand career in the skilled trades through the PHCC of Iowa Apprenticeship Program.
Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or exploring a career change, this pathway offers paid training, real-world experience, and long-term earning potential!
| ✔ Paid, full-time employment | ✔ In-person or online class options |
| ✔ Industry specific training | ✔ Clear path to licensure and career advancement |
Why Choose a Career in Skilled Trades?
High-Tech, High-Demand, High-Reward
Today’s plumbing and HVAC professionals work with:
- Smart home systems & automation
- Energy-efficient heating and cooling technology
- Digital diagnostics and system integration
- Sustainable water and energy solutions
This is a technical, evolving industry.
Strong Earning Potential
Unlike traditional college pathways:
- You can earn while training
- You gain real-world experience immediately
- You avoid large student loan debt
- You build a career, not just a resume
This is a career pathway, not just a program.
What To Expect From The Apprenticeship Program:
YEARS OF TRAINING
Over the course of the program, apprentices can anticipate nearly 4 years of classes.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Students must complete on-the-job training hours in several categories throughout their apprenticeship.
ASSESMENT TESTING
If you feel like you already have a strong knowledge base, you have the option to test in at a higher level.
DEDICATED SUPPORT
Course materials are developed by industry experts with support from PHCC of Iowa & PHCC National.
All active apprentices, whether online or in-person, must be employed by a current PHCC of Iowa member company in order to participate. This status must be maintained throughout each year of apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship has two components, RTI and OJT, and is a 4 year program. RTI is "Related Technical Instruction" and OJT is "On the Job Training". Apprentices earn 144 in-person hours each year or 156 hours per year in the online program. OJT hours are earned by apprentices through their companies doing their day-to-day job. Currently, 8,000 hours over the course of the apprenticeship training is needed, or roughly 2,000 hours per year.
Interested in Learning More About the Apprenticeship Program?
Getting Started: A Proven Pathway to a Career
Apprentices get the best of both worlds with academic, classroom learning and on-the-job practical learning to help reinforce important plumbing or HVAC concepts. But, what does the Apprenticeship Roadmap look like? Click the image on the right to download the Apprenticeship Roadmap for our In-Person and Online Programs.
Before you begin: A high school diploma or GED is required to enter the program.
Throughout your journey, you will:
- Connect with a PHCC of Iowa contractor and apply for an apprenticeship opportunity
- Secure full-time employment and begin working in the field
- Enroll in the apprenticeship program with your employer serving as your sponsor
- Complete 576 hours of classroom instruction, either in-person or online
- Gain 8,000 hours of paid, hands-on experience through on-the-job training
- Finish the program and earn your apprenticeship certificate
- Apply for and pass the Iowa journeyperson exam
- Become a licensed plumbing or HVAC professional in Iowa, opening the door to long-term career opportunities
Financial Support is Available
PHCC of Iowa offers a scholarship to help reduce the cost of classroom instruction as you begin your apprenticeship. We also share additional scholarship and funding opportunities as they become available, so you can take advantage of every resource possible.
It’s one more way we help make this career path accessible and support you from day one.
From Our Students:
“My experience with PHCC was short, but great nonetheless; starting with great communication and knowledgeable staff that helped every step of the way! Coming in as a fourth year that had attended other trade schools, they made the process of completing my education simple and satisfying.”
“I had the option to do the online program or the in person, I chose the online so I was able to work as much as needed, as well as having the ability to go to some of the other educational events my company is willing to send us to - knowing I wouldn't miss any schooling. I have learned a ton from the program and use what I've learned every day at work.”
