Southern Air Apprenticeship Program

At Southern Air, we’re making the investment in the next generation of craft professionals by training our own workforce. Our four year in-house apprenticeship program provides opportunities for our employees to advance in their field by attending hands-on-classes.   You’re in the right place if you want a successful career while furthering your education without debt. Get started on your pathway to a successful career and enroll in our Registered Apprenticeship program by completing an application today!

Eligibility and Requirements: To be a registered apprentice, you must be employed with Southern Air and satisfy the minimum age requirement of 16 years of age (18 in hazardous occupations) to apply for a program.

What is a Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship programs have met the skilled workforce needs of Virginia industry since 1938. We provide on-the-job training and instruction in the construction industry with a competitive edge. If you’re looking for a position where you can learn new skills, then our apprenticeship program is for you.

How does Registered Apprenticeship benefit individuals?

From day one, apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses. Apprentices also complete a combination of industry-specific classroom education and hands-on career training leading to nationally recognized state certification as a journey person.

How long is our Apprenticeship program?

The length of our apprenticeship program is 4 years. During our program, the apprentice receives both structured on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will normally receive 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a recommended minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction.

Southern Air, Inc. – Apprenticeship Program

Southern Air, Inc. created the ‘Wheels of Learning’ program in 1995, providing hands-on training in a variety of fields including electrical, plumbing, heating and air, and sheet-metal. Students ranging from high school to adults have the opportunity to earn a journeyman’s license in a field of their choosing by attending classes two nights a week using curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). With one of the few programs in the state certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Southern Air students are granted a journeyman’s license after completion of 8,000 hours of classroom along with on-the-job training, (no DPOR test required). All eligible applicants for the journeyman tradesman card must also meet all DPOR application requirements in order to receive their license in addition to being a current employee of Southern Air, Inc.

A Registered Apprenticeship receives:

A paycheck: From day one, you’ll earn a paycheck guaranteed to increase over time as you learn new skills. Depending on education and experience, starting pay ranges from $15 – $20 an hour.

Training: As an apprentice, you’ll receive practical on-the-job training in a wide variety of programs including HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Sheet-Metal.

An Education: You will receive hands-on instruction, all paid for by Southern Air.

A Career: Once you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be on your way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary and no educational debt.

Nationally recognized state certification as a journey person: When you graduate from our apprenticeship, you’ll be certified and can take your certification anywhere in the U.S.A.

Types of Apprenticeships:

At Southern Air, Inc. the Registered Apprenticeship program encompasses the following highly skilled occupations:
• ELECTRICAL
• HVAC
• PLUMBING
• SHEET-METAL

Eligibility and Requirements:
To be a registered apprentice, you must be employed with Southern Air, Inc. and satisfy the minimum age requirement of 16 years of age (18 in hazardous occupations) to apply for the program. Southern Air, Inc. also requires employment qualifications and credentials for the following: education, ability to perform physical requirements for the occupation, proof of age, drug testing and/or background check, and holding a valid driver’s license. Based on the selection method utilized by Southern Air, Inc., further information such as school grades and previous work experience may be requested.

Additional detail can be found at http://www.doli.virginia.gov/apprenticeship/pdfs/min_std_appweb.pdf

Get started on your pathway to a successful career and enroll in our Registered Apprenticeship program by applying in the link below.

HVAC

Plumbing

Electrical

Sheet Metal