HVAC Technician Training Program in Shreveport, LA

Ayers Career College’s HVAC Technician Training Program in Shreveport, Louisiana, prepares students for entry-level careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration in as little as 36 weeks.

The program is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), covers EPA Section 608 certification preparation, and is designed for beginners with no prior experience.

Graduates can pursue careers as residential and commercial HVAC technicians, service technicians, and refrigeration mechanics throughout the Ark-La-Tex region.

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HVAC Program Overview

Since 1979, Ayers Career College has trained thousands of men and women for careers in the HVAC/R industry. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience, providing students with the technical knowledge and real-world skills employers expect.

How Long Does HVAC Training Take?

Program Length

  • Day program: 36 weeks
    • Mon–Thu · 8:30 AM – 1:50 PM
  • Evening program: 60 weeks
    • Mon–Thu · 5:30 PM – 8:45 PM

The program is structured in three phases:

Phase 1
Weeks 1–10

Fundamentals

HVAC/R system operation, refrigeration theory, safety procedures, and hand tools

Phase 2
Weeks 11–22

Electrical and diagnostics

Electrical theory, motor controls, system troubleshooting, and wiring

Phase 3
Weeks 23–36

Installation and advanced skills

Equipment installation, commercial refrigeration, energy efficiency, and EPA 608 exam prep

 

How Much Does HVAC Training Cost?

Contact an admissions representative for a full estimate based on schedule and financial aid eligibility.

Paying for your Training

Financial assistance options that apply to this program include

  • Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    • Grants and scholarships
  • Veterans Benefits (GI Bill)
  • WIOA workforce grants
  • Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) funding
  • State vocational rehabilitation
  • Federal Direct Loan/Federal Direct Plus Loans

What Will I Learn in the HVAC Training Program?

The HVAC training program covers all major areas of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration — whether students are starting with no experience or building on existing skills.

  • HVAC/R system fundamentals: How air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, and ventilation systems operate in homes and businesses
  • Electrical and diagnostics: Electrical principles for HVAC/R, motor and control function, and system troubleshooting
  • Installation and maintenance: Hands-on skills to install, service, and maintain HVAC/R equipment in the lab
  • Tools and safety procedures: Safe use of essential HVAC/R tools and industry safety standards
  • Industry certifications: Exam preparation for EPA Section 608 and NATE certifications

Career Outlook and Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% employment growth for HVAC mechanics and installers through 2034, much faster than the national average, with over 440,000 technicians currently employed nationwide.

In Louisiana, employment of HVAC mechanics and installers is projected to grow 11% over the coming decade — faster than the national rate — according to CareerOneStop, a U.S. Department of Labor resource.

How Much Do HVAC Technicians make in Louisiana?

Salary ranges reflect Louisiana-specific data for the Shreveport-Bossier City market and state as a whole.

Experience level Annual salary (Louisiana)
Entry-level (0–2 years) $47,000 – $50,000
Mid-level (2–5 years) $54,000 – $58,000
Experienced (5+ years) $60,000 – $76,000

Sources: Salary.com (March 2026) · BLS OEWS · ZipRecruiter (Feb 2026)

Job demand is driven by:

  • Ongoing need for climate control in homes and businesses across Louisiana’s hot, humid climate
  • New construction projects requiring HVAC/R installations
  • Replacement and upgrading of aging HVAC/R systems
  • Increasing demand for energy-efficient systems

Common job titles graduates pursue include:

  • Residential and Commercial HVAC/R Technician
  • HVAC/R Installer
  • Maintenance technician
  • Service Technician
  • Refrigeration technician

Want to see the lab before you decide?

Schedule a campus visit and meet Ayers’ HVAC instructors — no commitment required.

Learn More About Ayers Employer Partnerships

Greg Jackson of Sabre Industries notes that their relationship with Ayers allows graduates to learn from the ground up, becoming reliable, well-rounded technicians.

Companies That Hire Ayers HVAC Grads

Ayers Career Services actively connects HVAC graduates with area employers. Companies across Shreveport, Bossier City, and West Monroe consistently hire from the Ayers program.

Graduate Success Stories

Ayers graduates discuss their trade school journeys and starting a career in HVAC.

Watch more video testimonials →

Read HVAC graduate profiles →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience to enroll in HVAC Technician Training?

No. The program is designed for beginners. Students start from the ground up with hands-on instruction that assumes no prior HVAC knowledge.

Do I need a license to get a job after graduation?

Louisiana licenses HVAC contractors, not individual technicians. Graduates enter the workforce as technicians working under a licensed contractor, allowing them to begin right after completing the program and earning their EPA 608 certification.

What is EPA Section 608 certification?

The federal Clean Air Act requires EPA Section 608 certification, so any technician who purchases or handles refrigerants knows how to work with and properly dispose of refrigerants, which can be hazardous if improperly handled.

Technicians will learn the four certification types:

  • Type I for small appliances
  • Type II for high-pressure systems
  • Type III for low-pressure equipment
  • Universal for all equipment types

What is NATE certification?

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is the leading independent nonprofit certification for HVAC technicians in the US. While certification is voluntary, it is highly looked upon by employers.

Is Ayers accredited, and does that matter for getting hired?

Yes. Ayers is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents. Accreditation confirms that the program meets national standards for vocational education and that employers and credentialing bodies recognize the diploma. 

What is the difference between day and evening programs?

Both programs cover the same curriculum and lead to the same diploma. The day program lasts 36 weeks; the evening program lasts 60 weeks. The longer timeline is designed for students who are currently employed or have daytime commitments. 

Will Ayers help me find a job after graduation?

Yes. Ayers Career Services provides job-search guidance, resume assistance, interview preparation, and direct connections to regional employers. Career support continues after graduation. See the employer partners section above for companies that actively hire Ayers HVAC graduates.

Ready to start your HVAC training?

Contact us to learn more about class schedules, financial aid, and enrollment.

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