Florida runs on air conditioning, and Jacksonville — the state's largest city by area — is no exception. Long, humid summers keep residential and commercial cooling systems under constant load, making HVAC service one of the region's most dependable trades.
Jacksonville's growth amplifies the demand. New residential construction across Duval and surrounding counties, expanding port and logistics facilities at JAXPORT, and the metro's military installations all require climate control systems and the technicians to maintain them.
Florida HVAC/R employment is projected to grow from roughly 37,000 to more than 43,000 jobs through 2032 — among the strongest state-level outlooks in the country.
Imagine America has partnered with Tulsa Welding School (TWS) Jacksonville — TWS's first branch campus, established in 2001. HVAC training takes place at the Tech Center at 1750 Southside Boulevard, where the Refrigeration Technologies program prepares students for HVAC/R careers in as little as seven months.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your HVAC Technology Career with Tulsa Welding School
The Refrigeration Technologies program at TWS Jacksonville covers residential and commercial HVAC/R systems across seven courses and 700 contact hours, combining online theory with hands-on labs. Students can earn EPA certifications during the program.
- 7-month program — enter the HVAC trade in under a year
- EPA Section 608 certification prep built into the curriculum
- EPA Section 609 and R-410A certifications earned during commercial coursework
- Commercial refrigeration training: walk-ins, freezers, and chillers
What You'll Learn
The curriculum spans electrical fundamentals, the refrigeration cycle, residential comfort systems, commercial comfort systems, walk-in refrigeration and freezer systems, chillers, and advanced troubleshooting — plus brazing with oxy-acetylene and E-STAR simulator training.
Certifications You Can Earn
Students qualify for EPA Section 608 certification during advanced troubleshooting coursework and can earn EPA Section 609 and R-410A safety certifications in the commercial systems course — required credentials for refrigerant handling in the field.
Train at the Jacksonville Tech Center
HVAC students train at the TWS Tech Center at 1750 Southside Boulevard, the dedicated skilled-trades facility on Jacksonville's Southside, near Beach Boulevard and convenient to Orange Park and the Beaches communities.
Career Outlook in Northeast Florida
With year-round cooling demand and one of the nation's stronger construction pipelines, Jacksonville offers new HVAC technicians steady work in residential service, commercial refrigeration, and facilities maintenance, with paths toward service management and state contractor licensing.
Training Services
- Electrical Fundamentals for HVAC
- Refrigeration Cycle & System Theory
- Residential Comfort Systems
- Commercial Comfort Systems
- Walk-In Refrigeration & Freezer Systems
- Chiller Systems
- Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
- Brazing with Oxy-Acetylene
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
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Start Your HVAC Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the HVAC program at TWS Jacksonville?
The Refrigeration Technologies program can be completed in as little as seven months, with weekday morning, afternoon, and evening schedules.
What certifications will I earn in the program?
Students qualify for EPA Section 608 certification and can earn EPA Section 609 and R-410A safety certifications during coursework — the credentials required to handle refrigerants professionally.
Why is Jacksonville a good market for HVAC technicians?
Florida's climate keeps cooling systems running most of the year, and Jacksonville's population and construction growth add new systems constantly. Florida projects HVAC/R employment to grow to more than 43,000 jobs through 2032.
Are scholarships available for TWS Jacksonville HVAC students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending Tulsa Welding School. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
