From your first 9 weeks to your Journeyman Card — PHCC Academy offers federally accredited programs designed for people who want to build a real career in the trades.
9 weeks 4 days a week - Career Jumpstart
4 Years - Federal Accrediated
7 Months - EPA 608 Ready
Are you ready to jumpstart your career in the PHC industry? PHCC San Diego has a dedicated interest in growing the trades industry. Our comprehensive 9-week pre-apprenticeship program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to excel in this dynamic field. With a rigorous curriculum, hands-on training, and job placement support, this program is your stepping stone toward a successful career.
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Class Time Options
Job Placement Support
The PHCC Academy of San Diego’s Four-Year Journeyman Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is federally accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship — making our students federally registered apprentices.
In each of their four years, students complete 156 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. With our earn-as-you-learn model, students must be employed by an actively licensed plumbing (C-36) contractor for the duration of the program.
As their Year 4 Final Exam, students may take the California PHCC Journey-Level Certification Exam to earn their well-deserved PHCC Journeyman Card.
hours of classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training Hours Per Year
This program is Accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. Students are federally registered apprentices from day one.
Open Enrollment Closes: August 2026
Entrance Exams: In-Person and by appointment June thru August 2026
Testing Fee: $50 (waived for PHCC member companies)
Classes Begin: August 24th, 2026
All classes begin promptly at 5:30 pm
Class schedules are as follows:
Plumbing Apprentice Year 1: Monday
Plumbing Apprentice Year 2: Wednesdays
Plumbing Apprentice Year 3: Tuesdays
Plumbing Apprentice Year 4: Thursdays
*Some classes may require pre-scheduled Saturday curricular activities. Students will be notified of these Saturday classes at least 30 days in advance.
Looking to start a career in HVAC? The PHCC Academy of San Diego’s Entry-Level HVAC Service Tech Certificate Program was designed for students with minimal or no experience in the industry.
Over seven months, you’ll gain a solid foundation and understanding of the latest tools, equipment, and technology of today’s complex HVAC systems through hands-on training with industry professionals.
At the end of the program, you’ll be able to perform residential and light commercial maintenance and basic troubleshooting — and you’ll be ready to take and pass the EPA 608 Exam with confidence.
📅 When: 13-week Course Start: September 17, 2026 End: December 17, 2026
👤 Who: Designed for individuals without experience who wish to enter the HVAC industry.
🎯 Why: Provides an introduction to HVAC concepts and hands-on training in essential entry-level skills.
💲 How Much:
· PHCC Members: $1,280
· Non-Members: $2,000
All books, training supplies, and certification fees are included.
📚 How – Course Topics & Schedule:
· Week 1: Introduction to HVAC
· Week 2: Trade Mathematics
· Weeks 3-5: OSHA-10 Certification
· Week 6: Basic Electricity
· Week 7: Introduction to Heating
· Week 8: Introduction to Cooling
· Week 9: Introduction to Air Distribution Systems
· Week 10: Basic Copper and Plastic Piping Practices
· Week 11: Soldering and Brazing
· Week 12: Basic Carbon Steel Piping Practices
📅 When: 23 weeks Start: TBD
👤 Who: Designed for current HVAC technicians who want to improve their skills and advance their careers.
🎯 Why: Provides a deep dive into HVAC technologies with hands-on training for advanced skills and certifications essential to the trade.
💲 How Much:
· PHCC Members: $2,080
· Non-Members: $3,250
All books, training supplies, and certification fees are included.
Advanced Placement Exam needed for those who do not take HVAC Level 1
Advanced Placement fee: $150 PHCC Member | $250 Non-Member
📚 How – Course Topics & Skills Covered:
· Alternating Current
· Compressors
· Refrigerants and Oils
· Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery, and Charging
· Metering Devices
· Heat Pumps (New for 2026!) – Includes Tech Clean California Program and $8,000 training equipment grant
· Basic Maintenance
· Chimney, Vents, and Flues
· Sheet Metal Duct Systems
· Fiberglass and Fabric Duct Systems
· Commercial Airside Systems
· Air Quality Equipment
· Intro to Hydronic Systems
· Control Circuit and Motor Troubleshooting
· Troubleshooting: Cooling
· Troubleshooting: Heat Pumps
· Troubleshooting: Gas Heating
· Troubleshooting: Accessories
· Zoning, Ductless, and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
· Indoor Air Quality
· Energy Conservation Equipment
· EPA 608 Certification Prep
Graduates of this program are fully prepared to sit for the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Exam upon completion.
The foundation of your HVAC career. Covers all core concepts, tools, systems, and safety practices needed to enter the industry with confidence. Prepares students for the EPA 608 exam.
Builds on Level 1 with deeper diagnostic skills, advanced troubleshooting scenarios, commercial systems, and more complex service and repair techniques for experienced-level work.
Whether you’re growing a business or building a career, PHCC San Diego has been behind this city’s best tradespeople for over a century. The next class, the next event, the next connection — all on the calendar.
Call us directly or send a message and our team will get back to you.
