Trades Instructor- HVAC

The HVAC Trades Instructor delivers instruction using the Apex curriculum to help students develop foundational and advanced HVAC trade skills. Responsibilities include facilitating classroom, virtual, and hands-on instruction through theory-based lessons, demonstrations, and practical application of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The instructor prepares students for entry-level employment by promoting technical competency, workplace professionalism, troubleshooting skills, and safety awareness aligned with industry standards.

Compensation: 

$51,432.00/yr 

Responsibilities 

• Instruct students in both HVAC theory and hands-on training within classroom and lab/shop environments.
• Deliver engaging instruction through lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, blueprint reading, and supervised hands-on HVAC projects.
• Teach students the fundamentals of heating systems, air conditioning systems, refrigeration cycles, ventilation systems, electrical controls, piping, brazing, recovery procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Provide instruction related to HVAC system installation, maintenance, diagnostics, refrigerant handling, airflow principles, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Teach students to safely use HVAC tools, gauges, meters, recovery machines, vacuum pumps, torches, and other industry-standard equipment.
• Determine the most effective methods for delivering training and prepare all necessary instructional materials, tools, equipment, supplies, and lab activities accordingly.
• Explain and demonstrate HVAC jobs, tasks, tools, and procedures in accordance with current industry standards and safe work practices.
• Emphasize and enforce all HVAC and workplace safety procedures, including proper PPE usage, refrigerant safety, ladder safety, electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, and OSHA regulations.
• Review applicable job safety analyses and ensure students understand and comply with all safety requirements and shop protocols.
• Organize, schedule, and provide supplemental instruction, tutoring, refresher training, and make-up sessions as needed.
• Ensure all HVAC tools, trainers, machinery, and lab equipment are properly maintained, cleaned, secured, and stored to support safety and operational efficiency.
• Guide, assign, supervise, and evaluate student work to ensure successful completion of curriculum objectives and hands-on HVAC competencies.
• Monitor student progress and provide timely feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations based on curriculum standards and learning outcomes.
• Maintain accurate attendance, grading, competency tracking, and student records in accordance with state, accreditation, and institutional requirements.
• Ensure students maintain professional conduct, proper safety practices, and compliance with all school policies and expectations.
• Participate in required faculty meetings, professional development sessions, curriculum updates, and accreditation-related activities.
• Maintain HVAC certifications and licenses as required by state and accrediting standards, including EPA certification where applicable.
• Serve as a professional representative and ambassador of Apex Technical School within the skilled trades community.
• Contribute to organizational success by accepting new assignments, assisting team members, learning new technologies, and continuously improving instructional outcomes.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical school certification, apprenticeship completion, or related HVAC trade education preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in the HVAC trade required.
• Experience in residential and/or commercial HVAC systems preferred.
• Prior teaching, mentoring, or training experience is a plus.

Equipment 

• Thorough understanding of the safe operation and maintenance of HVAC tools, gauges, meters, recovery equipment, vacuum pumps, brazing equipment, and related HVAC systems and machinery.
• Ability to safely use and demonstrate appropriate PPE and HVAC safety equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Strong understanding of HVAC theory, refrigeration cycles, heating and cooling systems, electrical controls, airflow principles, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Working knowledge of HVAC codes, EPA regulations, OSHA safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC system issues and demonstrate practical problem-solving techniques.
• Strong oral, written, classroom management, and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and supervisors.
• Ability to teach and motivate a diverse student population with varying educational backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles.
• Strong organizational, time management, and conflict resolution skills.