The Apprenticeship 2025-2026 Edition | | RACCA's successful and respected Apprenticeship Program started taking applications July 7th. Apprenticeship Program (School Year) starts September 8th (Monday) at 6:00 PM. RACCA's 4 Year Apprentice Program is designed to train individuals for a career in Residential and Light Commercial HVAC (Installer/Servicer). | | How it works…A HVAC Contractor in the Tampa Bay Area sponsors an employee into the program and pays for the employee’s tuition and book costs. The employee/apprentice works full time (40 Hours a week) for their employer while attending night classes two nights per week (usually from September through March). These classes are three hours a night and fall on Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday from 6:00 PM til 9:00 PM. The employer provides an on the job supervisor to round out the new skills the apprentice acquires in school. Note: No classes are held during the busy summer months. | | |
What are the benefits for the Apprentice & Employer?
Apprentice:
First and foremost, the apprentice’s education in this trade is one thing which cannot be taken from them. Knowledge makes them a more highly valuable employee and a much more productive person to an employer. All this translates to higher wages for them when they graduate from the Apprenticeship Program.
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Employer:
The employer benefits from apprenticeship training by having a more highly skilled workforce, which can produce a higher quality product with fewer mistakes in less time. This in turn creates higher profits for their company.
| | Apprenticeship Program…is a four year program of 624 classroom hours and 8,000 On-The-Job-Training (OJT) hours. When completed the student is recognized as a journeyman in residential and light commercial heating and air conditioning (Installer/Servicer). Note: This is a registered Program to meet state and federal standards. | | |
First Year Curriculum:
Fabrication and installation of air distribution systems, including rigid fiberglass duct board, flexible duct and sheet metal. Special attention to industry standards and codes.
Second Year Curriculum:
Fundamentals of refrigeration, system components, piping and setting equipment, evacuation, charging and recovery.
Third Year Curriculum:
Basic electricity, Ohms Law, series circuits, parallel circuits, low and line voltage training on boards, control circuitry for residential and light commercial HVAC. If time allows; there maybe several seminars and field trips.
Fourth Year Curriculum:
Psychometrics, residential load calculations layout and design (one project), electric heat, oil and gas fired systems overview, heat pump analysis and trouble shooting will complete this year's training.
For people that are interested in participating in RACCA's Apprenticeship Program, click here for a brochure.
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Apprentice Responsibilities:
An Apprentice must abide by the rules set forth in the “Standard of Apprenticeship”, the rules of the School Board of Pinellas County as well as the rules of Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater. You must be on time to school as well as work.
Employer Responsibilities:
HVAC Contractor doing business in the Tampa Bay area must sign a “Participating Employer Agreement” which agrees to pay the apprentice at least a minimum wage for their level in the program (in accordance with the scale found in the “Standards of Apprenticeship”). The employer is responsible for payment of tuition and books for the program. The employer has an active role in the educational program process by giving “on the job” experience that is consistent with what the apprentice is currently studying.
| | HVAC Contractors that are looking for formal training for an outstanding employee should consider this economical and proven program. | | |
The Apprenticeship Program will begin accepting applications after July 6th, 2025 (after July 4th weekend) for the 2025/2026 classroom year. Classes will begin Monday evening, September 8th, 2025. Classes are conducted at Pinellas Technical College 6100 154th Ave North Clearwater, FL 33760 located near the St. Petersburg / Clearwater airport.
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Kimberly Barker (left), PTC Clearwater Campus Assistant Administrator presents an award in 2025 recognizing 25 years of partnership between the RACCA Apprenticeship Program and Pinellas Technical College. RACCA's President Renee Pagan accepted the award for RACCA's Apprenticeship Note: Renee Pagan graduated from RACCA's Apprenticeship Program.
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RACCA's sponsored Apprenticeship Program can also be found on the Pinellas Technical College website, click here.
Costs per apprentice is $850.00 per year. Firms that are members of RACCA receive a discount of $175.00 per apprentice.
For companies wanting to sponsor apprentices, click here for an application.
For more information contact Keane Bismarck (RACCA's Apprenticeship Program Administrator) at 813-253-9859 or by email at apprenticeship@racca-florida.org or James McCann (Apprenticeship Coordinator PTC- Clearwater) at 727-538-7167 Ext. 2158 or by email at mccannja@pcsb.org.
| | TODAY'S A/C & REFRIGERATION NEWS | | A2L Equipment Surpasses 50% of Market Share as HFC Transition Accelerates | | |
Columbus, OH June 11, 2025 Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced today that the HVACR industry has reached a significant milestone in its transition to lower global warming potential refrigerants. According to HARDI’s April 2025 Unitary Market Intelligence Report, central ducted HVAC systems using A2L refrigerants accounted for 51% of sales, with preliminary May data indicating further growth to 60%. The Unitary Market Intelligence Report uses automated submissions of distributor sales data to model the national, regional, and state-level HVAC market. The transition has accelerated since November 2024, when A2L-based equipment made up less than 5% of the market.
“This milestone confirms that the industry is embracing the new A2L refrigerants,” said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. “Despite facing price volatility and ongoing shortages of R-454B cylinders, distributors and contractors are adopting the next generation of HVAC systems at a rate no one anticipated.
” Even with rapid adoption, the transition has been complicated by a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency that links compliance deadlines to installation dates instead of the date of manufacture or import. This regulatory structure unnecessarily burdens distributors unable to sell their R-410A inventory, adding unwanted complexity, inefficiency, and risk to the supply chain.
“This installation date requirement is bad policy,” said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs at HARDI. “It creates significant uncertainty for businesses without delivering any additional environmental benefit. We urge Congress to ensure that future regulations avoid this flawed approach. No agency should be able to punish businesses over political pressure from outside groups.
” As the industry adapts to new regulatory requirements, HARDI continues to support a stable, market based transition that preserves consumers’ ability to repair existing systems while efficiently filling the supply chain with new systems for installation. The Unitary Market Intelligence Report remains a vital benchmarking tool for HVACR distributors navigating this complex regulatory environment.
| | Note: Article above was supplied by Today's A/C & Refrigeration News. | | |
R-454B Shortage Crisis:
What’s Being Done, and When Will it End?
Featured in the ACCA Codes and Coffee blog, June 18, 2025
ACCA brought together manufacturers, suppliers, and industry leaders for an emergency session of Codes and Coffee to discuss the refrigerant shortage hitting many contractors nationwide. The panel included:
- Nick Arch, Vice President and General Manager, Residential HVAC Solutions, Carrier
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Chris Forth, Vice President of Regulatory, Codes READ MORE
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September 11 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
General Meeting – Post-Session Highlights of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session / Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa (Free)
September 18 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch and Learn – Intro to Zoning Design and Application
Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa, (Charge)
September 25 @ 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Workshop: Low GWP Safety Training and Certification
Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa (Charge)
October 10 @ 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
2025 Annual Fall Golf Tournament -The Crescent Oaks Golf Club 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd, Tarpon Springs (Charge)
October 16 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch and Learn – Evacuation Explained & Recovery Demystified
Victor Distributing 11125 49th St. North, Clearwater (Charge)
October 23 @ 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Workshop: Electrical Safety Training Workshop For HVAC Technicians Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa (Charge)
November 1 @ 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
2025 Turkey Shoot Tournament
Silver Dollar Shooters Club 17202 Target Way, Odessa (Charge)
November 20 @ 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Workshop: Heat Pump Fundamentals and Best Practices
Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa (Charge)
December 6 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Cars and Coffee + Toys for Tots Collection
Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa (Free)
December 12 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
RACCA’s 2025 Annual Meeting
Trane Supply - Tampa 4720 East Adamo Drive, Tampa (Free)
Click on to the Events above for more details. Note: RACCA Events may change without notice and the Website will contain the most up to date information.
| | RACCA's Associate Members | | Click onto the logos above to go to the Associate's Websites!!! | | FRACCA (Florida Refrigeration Air Conditioning Contractors Association) Bulletin Board | | |
Message from
FRACCA President
Paul Stehle
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Don’t get caught using unlicensed contractors when the storms start rolling through Florida. FRACCA wanted to provide you with some friendly reminders for the upcoming hurricane season. Please pass these along to your employees, fellow contractors, and especially your customers so they are not caught off guard and not prepared.
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and other natural disasters. The Atlantic Hurricane season occurs each year from June 1 through November 30, with a historical peak of the season beginning in September. Being prepared before the storm is wise, but how can you protect yourself after a disaster strike?
Don't become a statistic. Protect your business by developing a business disaster plan.
- Develop a Plan of Action for handling disruptions that is shared with employees & practiced through exercises.
- Minimize Impact to Essential Operations, increasing opportunity to continue to operate.
- Protect Data & Information to ensure decisions can continue to be made for organization recovery.
- Increase Reliability by proving your organization's ability to mitigate all hazard conditions.
- Protect Market Share & Minimize Financial Losses by proactively planning & accounting for recovery resources before they are needed.
- Gain Industry Recognition by promoting preparedness with suppliers & clients
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CONSUMER TIPS FOR CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR DURING HURRICANE SEASON:
One of your most critical post-disaster recovery issues may be the hiring of a competent, licensed contractor. The Florida Refrigeration Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) along with DBPR offers the following suggestions:
USE ONLY LICENSED CONTRACTORS TO PERFORM WORK ON YOUR HVAC SYSTEM
- Before you hire a contractor, ask to see a state-issued license.
- Be sure the license looks like the example below. Ask to see multiple forms of identification.
- An occupational license does not qualify an individual to act as a contractor, it’s just a “tax revenue receipt.”
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Being registered with the Division of Corporations as in INC. or LLC. does not qualify an individual or company to act as a contractor.
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The individual must be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Ask for references. A legitimate contractor will be happy to provide you with the names and contact information of recent customers.
- Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, the materials involved, the completion date, and total cost.
- Beware of contractors who claim to be the fastest or the cheapest. Hiring them could result in poor workmanship, inferior materials or unfinished jobs.
- Contact your insurance agent first to verify your insurance covers the repairs before you sign a contract. Know the steps to file a claim. You do not have to tell the contractor how much your insurance company will pay for repairs, but if you do, get the contractor’s estimate first.
- A contractor must have a license from DBPR to perform roofing repairs or replacements, structural additions, air conditioning repair or replacement, plumbing work, electrical and/or alarm work. These jobs typically require a permit. Be sure to check with your local building department regarding permit requirements for all your projects.
- DBPR does not license or have jurisdiction over concrete contractors, painters, drywall contractors, cabinetmakers, tile installers, or anyone doing minor repairs. Check with your local building department regarding licensure requirements for these trades. Remember to ask for references.
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Red flags your “Contractor” may not be licensed or insured
- No license number in advertisement or posting. Licensed contractors are required to list their license number in all advertisements. Rule of thumb: If they don’t have a license listed in their advertisement, which can be verified, move on to the next one.
- They list only their name and cell phone number in their advertisement or posting. Do you really want to invite some stranger into your home that you contacted from an anonymous internet site or classified advertisement?
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They claim to be “licensed and insured” but can only produce an “occupational license,” or corporate filing. An “Occupational License” is not a license. It just means that the person has paid a tax receipt to the local municipality. Most local and county governments have stopped using this term as it is misleading and is often used to dupe unsuspecting homeowners. Also, just because a company is listed as a corporation does not mean they have a professional license to do your job. Professionals licensed by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation are proud to show you both their department issued license and proof of insurance. Be sure to note the license number and verify that the license is current and issued to the company or person you want to hire. You can also contact us at 850.487.1395.
- They want all or most of the money up front or will only accept cash. Run, don’t walk. Never pay cash for your home repairs or improvements.
- They want you to write the check to them individually or to “cash.” Be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
- They show up in unmarked vehicles offering to do work and often have out-of-state tags. Known as “trunk slammers” these are often the “hit and run” of the unlicensed contractors. Once they have your money, they slam the trunk shut and hit the road.
- They don’t want to put the work agreement in writing. Licensed contractors know it’s good business to put everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.
- They try to convince you a permit is not necessary or that it’s cheaper if you obtain it yourself. Licensed contractors know that most improvements to the home require a permit and welcome the permit and inspection process to verify the work was done to code. Contact your local building department if you are not sure the work you have done requires permitting and inspections. This is for your own safety and may be required as part of future insurance claims.
Protect yourselves from unlicensed activity. We can’t say it enough. Always verify the license online or call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.
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DBPR works to ensure precautions are taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of Floridians. DBPR’s Emergency Information Page is continually updated during a State of Emergency with executive orders, agency emergency orders, and other updates pertinent to Department stakeholders. Please visit this page for updates during the State of Emergency associated with hurricanes.
FRACCA can also help as well as your local chapters, please reach out to your chapter if you suspect there is unlicensed activity in your area especially during hurricanes and state of emergencies. Please reach out to Erica Mattis at erica.mattis@fraccaair.com if you need more assistance.
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