START A CAREER
IN HEATING AND COOLING – FOR FREE.
Heat pump technicians are in high demand, and you can be one of them. The HVAC Career Prep Academy is a free, hands-on training program that gets you ready for a real job in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. No experience needed. Just bring your drive.
WHY JOIN THE ACADEMY
The Emerald Cities HVAC Career Prep Academy puts you on the fast track to a rewarding career in HVAC/R Service Technology.
In just 16 weeks of evening classes, you'll earn valuable skills and be ready to apply for jobs and apprenticeships after you graduate.
Program Highlights:
100% FREE — no tuition, no fees
16 weeks of evening classes plus weekend hands-on labs
Train at Johnstone Supply's state-of-the-art learning center in Sumner, WA
Earn OSHA 10, EPA Core & Type 2, and an HVAC Institute Completion Certificate
Open to adults 18+ — no HVAC experience required
This isn't just job training, it's your launchpad into a living wage career that matters.
Real Stories, Real Careers
Woody Loyko landed an internship with MacDonald Miller Facility Solutions and is now a mechanical apprentice with UA Local 32.
Rashiq accepted an Assembler role with The Boeing Company after training with our King County JumpStart partner.
Mohammed Rafi is now a Building Operations Engineer at JLL. "This program paved the way for me to be a building engineer."
By the Numbers:
83%+ average completion rate across our workforce training programs
120+ Academy alumni working in HVAC and allied fields across the region
Nearly half of the Fall 2025 class landed jobs upon or soon after graduation
1 in 3 Spring 2026 graduates had job offers before graduation day
Real-World Experience:
You'll complete hands-on training with actual HVAC/R employers, building the networks and practical skills that lead to job offers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Why HVAC Careers Matter Now
The Pacific Northwest is leading the charge in building efficiency and climate solutions. That means unprecedented demand for skilled HVAC/R technicians who can install heat pumps, optimize ventilation systems, and implement technologies that reduce energy consumption while improving comfort and air quality.
What HVAC/R Technicians Do:
Install and maintain heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses
Work with cutting-edge heat pump technology driving the clean energy transition
Diagnose and repair refrigeration systems
Improve indoor air quality through advanced ventilation solutions
Help customers reduce energy costs and environmental impact
Career Potential:
High-demand field with strong job growth
Competitive wages with advancement opportunities
Work that directly impacts community health and sustainability
Pathways to specialization, supervision, or business ownership
This is more than a job—it's a career with purpose, stability, and room to grow.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
All Are Welcome
Whether you're starting fresh, changing careers, or building on experience, this scholarship is designed for you.
Ideal candidates include:
Career starters ready to enter a high-demand field
Career changers seeking stable, rewarding work
Construction workers looking to expand their skill set
Customer service professionals who want technical careers
Auto repair technicians ready to apply mechanical skills differently
Anyone with technical trades experience, including HVAC
No prior HVAC experience required. We're looking for motivated individuals ready to commit to their future and contribute to our region's clean energy goals.
If you're eager to learn, willing to show up, and ready to launch a career that matters, we want to hear from you.
Employers & Industry Partners
Academy graduates have gone on to work with:
The Boeing Company
MacDonald Miller Facility Solutions
JLL
UA Local 32 (United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and HVAC/R Service Technicians)
We're also growing our network of industry partners, including Johnstone Supply, Bellevue College, Thermal Supply, Allred Heating & Cooling, HVAC Service Pros, Mountain Heating and Cooling, Skyline Heating and Cooling, EcoSpark Heating & Cooling, and Kliemann Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ready to Start Your HVAC Career?
Applications are open now for the January 5, 2026 cohort.
With only 13 scholarships available, spots are limited. Don't wait—your future in HVAC starts with one click.
Questions? Contact Roz Jenkins, (360) 970-3591, rjenkins@emeraldcities.org
Funders & Partners
A Collaboration Built for Your Success
The HVAC Career Prep Academy is made possible with support from the City of Seattle, and is recognized by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council as a state-registered pre-apprenticeship — the gold standard for workforce preparation programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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All are welcome to apply! We especially encourage those starting careers, changing careers, or bringing experience from construction, customer service, auto repair, and technical trades. No prior HVAC experience is required.
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This is a 16 week program with evening classes and weekend hands-on labs designed for working adults. You'll attend classes at Johnstone Supply in Sumner, with a schedule that accommodates employment during the day.
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No! The program is completely free for participants.
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After submitting your application, our team will review it and contact you about next steps.
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Yes! The evening class schedule is specifically designed so you can maintain employment.
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Academy participants receive support beyond tuition, including assistance with transportation costs when needed and discounted supplies and tools. We're committed to removing barriers to your success.
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The HVAC/R field is high-demand with strong job growth. The program includes networking opportunities, on-the-job training with employers, and career placement support. Graduates are well-positioned for service technician roles with pathways to advancement.
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You'll earn OSHA 10, EPA Core & Type 2, and an HVAC Institute Completion Certificate.