General

We offer two programs a year – one starts in the spring and the other in the fall. Each training program lasts six months, and attendance is required 7:30am to 4:00pm M-F. We determine if we are going to have a plumbing program or an HVAC program next depending upon the company’s needs.

For six months you will be in training, learning everything you need to get started in the HVAC or Plumbing trade. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates from Star Tech Academy commit to working at American Vintage Home for a further 2 years.

Star Tech Academy is a division of American Vintage Home, a well-established heating, cooling, and plumbing company in Evanston, IL that serves homes in the North Shore and surrounding areas. American Vintage Home prides itself on having the most knowledgeable technicians who can give customers an unparalleled level of service.

We open our online application about two months before the next class is set to begin, so look for it in early February or August on the American Vintage Home Indeed page. Please keep in mind that we start reviewing applicants about six weeks before the next term begins. If you have any questions about the program, please Contact Us.

We look for people with great attitudes who are eager to learn and improve their lives, and who can commit to a career change. We want students who exemplify our core values. No HVAC or Plumbing experience is necessary.

The interview and selection process is a bit extensive. We want to make sure to find the right students who will be dedicated and have a passion for the industry. Additionally, we want to get to know the applicants and we want them to be fully aware of what they are signing up for. With this in mind, we created an interview process that includes an application, a phone screen, in-person interviews, a site tour, a background check, a drug-screening, and a ride-along with a technician. After that, it is up to the selection committee to select the incoming class.

Our training program was designed specifically for you. This is a path into the trades for those who have no prior experience. We look for people with a positive attitude and passion to learn.

We require a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license.

We pay you to be trained! Yes. We pay trainees $17 per hour to complete our training program, full time, plus benefits. We ask for a commitment to work for us for a minimum of two years after completion of the training program. You are required to bring tools to class. We have a detailed list of tools needed for each program.

If you don’t already have tools, we offer a complete tool kit on a structured payment plan. If you choose this option, there would be a weekly tool deduction from each paycheck during your six months of training. We are currently working with an apprenticeship grant program trying to get the cost of the tools covered for students who qualify.

If a student leaves the program before their two-year work commitment is honored, they will owe American Vintage Home for their training costs. If students leave before graduation, they owe what they have earned in the program. If they leave up to a year after graduation, they owe $39k. If they leave between years 1 and 2, they owe $19,500. This is part of the reason our application process is so extensive. We want to make sure our students are seriously ready to commit to the field.

We have found that so many technicians were not trained properly or developed bad habits over the years. So, we decided that if we want quality technicians, we have to make them ourselves. We also understand that if we want good people, we have to value their time.

We have a structured process for moving through the ranks (and pay scale) within the HVAC and Plumbing departments at American Vintage Home. Technicians can work with their department manager to pinpoint exactly what skills are needed to move up. See the HVAC Program page or Plumbing Program page to see the requirements. For detailed pay information, please visit us.

We have a required tool list necessary for all students. If you are providing your own tools, they must be inspected by the instructor a week before the course begins. If you don’t have tools, we offer a complete tool kit on a structured payment plan. If you choose this option, there would be a weekly deduction of $96.15 from each paycheck for HVAC tools or $65 for Plumbing tools during training (amounts are subject to change). We are currently working with an apprenticeship grant program trying to get part of the cost of the tools covered for students who qualify.

Yes. You will receive the same benefits all our employees receive, including health, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of premium paid for the employee (90% paid for family), PTO accrual, life insurance, and more. Visit the bottom of the About page for more detailed info.

We offer a combined curriculum of NexTech, our own hands-on training at stations and workbenches, and field training. Field training does not begin until further along in the program. We believe using newfound knowledge in an actual setting helps trainees retain the information much better.

A trusted training program curated by industry experts, NexTech prepares you for residential HVAC and Plumbing tasks with clear, concise how-to videos on hydronics, furnace and air conditioning maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation. You will have oversight by a veteran HVAC technician and technical trainer. You will also be completing hands-on workshops in our new training lab. As you complete sections, you will test your knowledge and work toward becoming NexTech Certified.

About 70% of the program is hands-on training, and 30% is classroom, module-based training.

Cornelius Muszczynski, Lead Instructor at Star Tech Academy, has worked in the HVAC industry for more than 20 years. In that time, he has installed, repaired, and maintained rooftop units, split systems, mini split systems, boilers, steam boilers, HVAC controls, hydronics, radiant heat systems, SpacePak units, geothermal heat pumps, water source heat pumps, and more. Cornelius’ expansive experience in the industry coupled with his patience and genuine care for others makes him an ideal technical trainer. In 2022, Cornelius helped design and build the Star Tech Academy facility and work stations. His students love him and describe him as helpful, knowledgeable, and approachable.

Dave Danciu is a licensed plumber who leads the American Vintage Home plumbing department and oversees the development of our plumbing Star Tech Academy students. With nearly a decade of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Not only does Dave bring crucial real-world expertise to the classroom, but he also encourages students to do their best work, and motivates technicians to work as a team. As students venture into the field, Dave continues to function as a mentor, guiding them as they build their industry knowledge and confidence.

The Star Tech Academy HVAC and Plumbing training programs are the first stepping stone toward a career in their respective trade. It could lead you toward service, installation, or maintenance,depending on where you excel and your personal goals.

For questions about applying, call or text our Recruiting Manager (847) 878-4281

For general questions, give our office a call at (847) 440-7177

Or you can always email us at careers@americanvintagehome.com