go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship

Apprenticeship training is a method of vocational education recognized by the Apprenticeship and Training Division (ATD) of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). It combines full-time on-the-job training (OJT) with committee-approved employers and trade-related instruction. Apprentices work fulltime and take courses online or face-to-face one or two evenings a week for two or four years, depending on the program.

The instruction at Chemeketa is for those already working in selected trades as apprentices, or for journey-level workers who wish to upgrade their skills or knowledge. First and second-year HVAC/R and sheet metal courses are open to the public. The programs require two or four years of OJT and related instruction to earn a journey card. Plumbers and electricians require state licensure at the conclusion of their training. HVAC/R technicians may test for their LE/B license.

Chemeketa’s Apprenticeship Department offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship with specializations in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R); Plumbing; and Sheet Metal.

If you are interested in applying for an Oregon State Apprenticeship program, visit oregonapprenticeship.org or oregon.gov/boli/apprenticeship for program and entrance requirements. For more information on Chemeketa’s apprenticeship degrees, please call 503.399.5255 or go to go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship. All students in the HVAC/R program must complete 8,000 hours of State of Oregon approved OJT; the Sheet Metal program requires 7,200 hours of OJT; and the Plumbing program requires 7,700 hours of OJT. 

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Construction Trades General Apprenticeship: HVAC/R AAS degree should be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

1. Repair, install, and maintain a variety of building construction projects using trade-specific tools and techniques in compliance with building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
2. Complete 60 hours of HVAC/R trade-related coursework.
3. Complete six general education courses for the AAS with a grade of C or better.

HVAC/R Specialization

First- and second-year courses are open to the public. The degree requires completion of a registered apprenticeship.

HVAC/R Apprenticeship application requirements:

• 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of high school algebra with grade “C” or better; or completion of MTH060 (or higher) at Chemeketa; or placing into MTH070 (or higher) on a college placement test.

HVAC/R Apprenticeship specialization degree requirements:

• Journey-level status in the HVAC/R industry.
• Complete a minimum of 30 credits at Chemeketa.
• Complete the general education requirements for the AAS degree.
• Complete a minimum of 90 approved credits; 22 credits are awarded for proof of journey-level status.

Students may earn an Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing the Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship general education requirements of 23 credit hours, plus additional credits in the HVAC/R area of specialization, and 22 hours for proof of journey-level status.