Apprentice Level - HVAC, Plumbing or Electrical- Charlottesville, VA

Southern Air; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) with company match

Medical plan

Dental & Vision

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance & AD&D

Paid Time Off

EAP

Apprenticeship training paid

Career growth

Job summary

Southern Air, Inc. in Charlottesville, VA is seeking an Apprentice Technician to learn and assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal systems under the guidance of Journeyman and Master tradespeople.

You will gain hands-on experience, participate in a structured apprenticeship, and build transferable skills while earning a paycheck and advancing through a four-year program in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Interest in pursuing a career in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Sheet Metal trades.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Ability to pass post-offer drug screen and applicable background checks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation and assembly of trade-specific materials and equipment in shop and field environments
• Support setup and operation of tools, machinery, and equipment
• Learn industry best practices from experienced tradespeople
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
• Follow proper material handling and safety procedures
• Participate in training opportunities and skill development programs
• Collaborate with team members and maintain professional working relationships
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Strong work ethic

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Follow instructions

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience

Job description

Apprentice Level - HVAC, Plumbing or Electrical- Charlottesville, VA

Apprentice (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Sheet Metal)

Pay Range: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

At Southern Air, Inc., you are more than an employee; you are an owner.

For over 80 years, Southern Air has proudly served customers throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. We are committed to helping employees build successful careers while delivering outstanding customer service and high-quality workmanship.

If you're motivated, dependable, and eager to learn a skilled trade, this is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Sheet Metal work. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, currently enrolled in trade-related courses, or looking to begin a new career path, Southern Air provides hands-on training, mentorship, and long-term growth opportunities.

Pay Range: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

The pay range for this position is included in the job description. The listed range represents the broader pay scale for the role. Individual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Southern Air offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical plan with company HSA contributions
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage
• Supplemental and Dependent Life Insurance options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-paid apprenticeship training for eligible participants
• Long-term career growth and advancement opportunities

Position Summary

As an Apprentice Technician, you will work alongside experienced Journeyman and Master-level tradespeople while learning the skills required to succeed in your chosen trade. You will assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal systems while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

This entry-level role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and developing technical skills in a team-oriented environment.

What You'll Be Working On

• Assist with installation and assembly of trade-specific materials and equipment in shop and field environments
• Support setup and operation of tools, machinery, and equipment
• Learn industry best practices from experienced tradespeople
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
• Follow proper material handling and safety procedures
• Participate in training opportunities and skill development programs
• Collaborate with team members and maintain professional working relationships
• Perform additional duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
• Interest in pursuing a career in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Sheet Metal trades
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Ability to follow instructions and pay close attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Basic knowledge of trade materials and tools preferred
• NCCER Certification preferred
• Ability to pass a post-offer drug screen and applicable background checks
• Commitment to following company policies and procedures

Skills That Lead to Success

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Safe and effective use of tools and equipment
• Professionalism and customer-service focus
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Adaptability in changing work environments
• Dependability and a positive attitude
• Desire to continuously learn and develop new skills

Southern Air Registered Apprenticeship Program

Southern Air is proud to offer a Registered Apprenticeship Program that provides eligible employees with the opportunity to advance their careers while earning a paycheck.

Our apprenticeship program is highly sought after, and due to strong demand, we are not always able to accept new participants immediately.

When applying, please indicate which trade interests you most:

• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Sheet Metal

Program Eligibility & Enrollment

Current Students

If you are currently enrolled in trade-related classes, you may be eligible to become an apprentice with Southern Air. Once employed and approved for the program, Southern Air will assume the cost of your approved program beginning the following semester.

Current Employees

Employees who are not currently enrolled in trade-related classes must first be employed by Southern Air for a minimum of six (6) months. At that time, their supervisor may recommend them for the Apprenticeship Program based on:

• Job performance
• Attendance and reliability
• Adherence to company expectations
• Program eligibility requirements

Southern Air fully covers the cost of approved apprenticeship programs for eligible employees.

This unique opportunity allows employees to earn while they learn and build valuable, lifelong skills in the trades.

• Structured 4-year apprenticeship program
• Open to individuals ranging from high school students to adults
• Opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and advance within your chosen trade
• Classes held two evenings per week
• Coursework completed through local community colleges or approved online programs
• Ongoing mentorship and hands‑on skill development

Safety Commitment

Safety is a core value at Southern Air.

All employees are expected to:

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Help maintain a safe work environment
• Stop work if unsafe conditions exist
• Participate in ongoing safety training and awareness initiatives

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position may require:

• Frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Regular use of hands to operate tools and equipment
• Indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Travel in a vehicle for extended periods when required
• Exposure to construction materials and chemicals requiring SDS knowledge

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About Southern Air, Inc.

Southern Air, Inc. is dedicated to the growth and success of our employees while delivering exceptional customer service. We operate multiple branch locations throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina and are proud to offer meaningful career opportunities in the skilled trades.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southern Air, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Ready to Build Your Future with Southern Air?

Learn more: www.southern-air.com

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Email: [e-mail]
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