The Forge Apprentice Program is for people looking to start a career in HVAC.
Here’s how it works:
2-week tracks of paid, foundational training
Our program starts with 2 weeks of full-time training in the workshop, where students are paid $15/hour to learn foundational skills that prepare them to become skilled laborers on a crew in the field.
On-the-job training that unlocks career growth
After initial training, apprentices hit the field with Forge crews where they put their learned skills to use immediately, on real jobs.
As apprentices progress in the field, they return to our workshop for concentrated, 1 week training modules where they learn more craft-specific skills, like sheet metal for HVAC.
Continue to learn and grow on one of our crews
Successful progression and completion of training modules unlocks full-time employment eligibility for program graduates, which comes with a pay increase, medical insurance, a 401k, and other benefits like company equity.
Crew lead opportunities are available to apprentices who excel and want to grow into a leadership role.
Interested in the apprentice program?
We are not hiring for an apprentices class right now. If you want us to let you know when we are hiring, fill out the form below and we'll send you an email so you can apply.
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Foundational Training
What apprentices learn
Our hands-on training is a combo of foundational skill instruction in the workshop and learning how to be a contributing crew member as an apprentice on actual jobs.
Use of basic hand and power tools
Ductless heat pump installations
Job site setup, containment, and cleanup
OSHA-10, tool, lead safe, and ladder safety practices
Is our apprentice program right for you?
If you want to learn new skills, work hard, and start a new career in the trades, then the odds are that yes, it is. Here at Forge, we’re building a diverse and inclusive trades workforce, and our apprentice program is where it all starts. Join us and become part of the next generation of tradespeople.
What you DON’T need:
Any professional trades experience (although a natural ability to work with tools and build things will help you be successful).
What you DO need:
A US driver’s license and a vehicle, to consent to a background check, and to be eligible to work in the United States.
In the typical apprentice class:
identify as female, nonbinary, or transgender
have no prior professional trades experience
don’t have a higher ed degree
of participants graduate
Whether you want to start a trades career, take yours further, or move it in a different direction, the Forge apprentice program allows you to pursue your goals.
Get inspired to join our apprentice program
Take a different post-secondary path.
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Change your career
Meet
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Brittany had a great career in healthcare, but she always wanted to work with her hands. Forge was perfect because our apprentice program provided her with an income while she was trained in new skills — and not having to pay tuition meant she was able to support her family as she started her new career journey.
The desire to dismantle the artificial barriers for women in the trades empowers me to show up every day.
Build on your trades experience
Meet
Eli
Junior Carpenter
After working as a welder, Eli was looking to take his trades career to the next level. The Forge apprentice program allowed Eli to expand his skills by learning carpentry and construction. After completing the apprentice program, Eli joined a residential construction crew at Forge, where he is able to use both his welding experience and his new carpentry skills in a new phase of his career.
I found a love of carpentry thanks to Forge. Now I couldn’t be happier!
Break into the trades
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Grow your trades career
Meet
Alex
Junior Crew Lead
With some professional trades experience, Alex was just looking for a company where he could grow his career as a carpenter. So he completed our apprentice program and worked on the specialized window crew for about a year, where he trained under one of our carpentry supervisors to develop his skills. Alex now leads one of our window crews and helps less experienced Forge team members grow themselves.
My first experience with carpentry was when I would help my grandfather build pieces of furniture. That is what led me to becoming a carpenter and working with Forge. I really enjoy the precision and attention to detail that finish carpentry requires.
Zach graduated high school with plans of joining a union, but when Covid hit, he had to find another way to start his career in the trades. He chose the Forge apprentice program so he could get hands-on learning experience before starting work in the field. Through the apprentice program, Zach learned foundational carpentry skills that he’s continued to build on throughout his career at Forge.
Working with my hands has always been in my family — ever since I was able to walk, I knew that I wanted to make it my career.
Meet
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Brittany had a great career in healthcare, but she always wanted to work with her hands. Forge was perfect because our apprentice program provided her with an income while she was trained in new skills — and not having to pay tuition meant she was able to support her family as she started her new career journey.
The desire to dismantle the artificial barriers for women in the trades empowers me to show up every day.
Meet
Eli
Junior Carpenter
After working as a welder, Eli was looking to take his trades career to the next level. The Forge apprentice program allowed Eli to expand his skills by learning carpentry and construction. After completing the apprentice program, Eli joined a residential construction crew at Forge, where he is able to use both his welding experience and his new carpentry skills in a new phase of his career.
I found a love of carpentry thanks to Forge. Now I couldn’t be happier!
Meet
Autumn
Junior Carpenter
Autumn always enjoyed working with her hands, so when she discovered the Forge apprentice program, she decided to give construction a try. Since Autumn didn’t have any prior experience, the apprentice program was a great introduction to the industry and provided her a solid onramp to a long term career in construction.
I chose Forge because the company is dedicated to keeping the trades alive.
Meet
Alex
Junior Crew Lead
With some professional trades experience, Alex was just looking for a company where he could grow his career as a carpenter. So he completed our apprentice program and worked on the specialized window crew for about a year, where he trained under one of our carpentry supervisors to develop his skills. Alex now leads one of our window crews and helps less experienced Forge team members grow themselves.
My first experience with carpentry was when I would help my grandfather build pieces of furniture. That is what led me to becoming a carpenter and working with Forge. I really enjoy the precision and attention to detail that finish carpentry requires.
Great training can’t happen without great trainers: meet our instructors.
Each apprentice program class is taught by a different pro (with the help of a teaching assistant), but there are a few faces you’ll always see around the workshop.
Christof got his start in the trades by working at his dad’s sawmill in his native South Africa. The creator of the apprentice program curriculum and overseer of all of our program operations and training initiatives, Christof has years of experience as a cabinet and furniture maker. He is extremely passionate about sharing all he has learned with the trades workers of tomorrow.
Christof
Head of Apprentice Program
Christof
Head of Apprentice Program
Christof got his start in the trades by working at his dad’s sawmill in his native South Africa. The creator of the apprentice program curriculum and overseer of all of our program operations and training initiatives, Christof has years of experience as a cabinet and furniture maker. He is extremely passionate about sharing all he has learned with the trades workers of tomorrow.
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When Nick was growing up, he would watch his stepdad work, never expecting to follow in his footsteps — but he’s glad he did. Nick saw how Forge is changing the trades industry, and he wanted to be a part of it. A 2021 graduate of the apprentice program, Nick now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator. He loves helping others discover their passion for carpentry and watching them grow.
Nick
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Nick
Apprentice Program Coordinator
When Nick was growing up, he would watch his stepdad work, never expecting to follow in his footsteps — but he’s glad he did. Nick saw how Forge is changing the trades industry, and he wanted to be a part of it. A 2021 graduate of the apprentice program, Nick now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator. He loves helping others discover their passion for carpentry and watching them grow.
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A Massachusetts native, Brittany comes from a family of artists and tradespeople. Her father was an artisan and master carpenter, and Brittany always wanted to get into the trades herself but never quite knew how. The Forge Apprentice Program changed that, though, and she switched careers in 2021. After completing the program, Brittany now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator and plays a key role in keeping the workshop running smoothly.
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
Brittany
Apprentice Program Coordinator
A Massachusetts native, Brittany comes from a family of artists and tradespeople. Her father was an artisan and master carpenter, and Brittany always wanted to get into the trades herself but never quite knew how. The Forge Apprentice Program changed that, though, and she switched careers in 2021. After completing the program, Brittany now works as an Apprentice Program Coordinator and plays a key role in keeping the workshop running smoothly.
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Frequently asked questions. Answered.
Does the program cost anything?
Nope! A Forge apprenticeship is a full-time job that starts with training, so WE pay YOU to learn!
How much is the pay?
It’s $15/hour during the workshop training. Once you’re in the field, pay increases with consistent feedback and performance evaluations.
What am I expected to bring or purchase?
Not a thing — we provide tools, materials, and protective equipment. Work boots are recommended, not required, but are required once you are in the field.
Who can apply?
Anyone looking to begin their full-time career in the trades. Right now, we’re specifically training for HVAC.
Can I just do the training program if I don’t want a full-time job afterward?
Right now, Forge does not have an option to take our training program and then move on to a different job. We are looking to hire people for full-time jobs, which is why we pay our apprentice program participants.
Is there an age limit?
Nope! We are open to any age as long as an applicant is looking for a full-time career in the trades.
Do I need any prior experience to apply?
While experience and familiarity with tools and materials is a plus, experience is not required. Almost two-thirds of our program graduates have no professional trades experience.
What are the program requirements?
All applicants must have a US driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to get to work every day, consent to a background check, and have US work eligibility.
What specific skills or specialties does the program focus on?
Our training program is currently focused on HVAC, with an emphasis on ductless heat pump installation.
Where are classes held?
Classes take place at our workshop facility in Newton, Massachusetts. After the program, continuing apprentices are expected to commute to jobs across Metrowest. We’ll be expanding to other cities and states soon, so keep an eye on our website for the latest.
What happens when the workshop training is over?
The Forge apprentice program is the combination of workshop modules and on-the-job training on our crews, spread over time. There will be continuous opportunities for apprentices to build on their skills and knowledge with additional training modules in the workshop.
What kind of work would I be doing on a crew?
Forge is a preferred installer and service provider for other companies who need experienced and skilled trades workers. Our crews currently specialize HVAC. As a new apprentice, you can expect to spend time on an HVAC installation crew to sharpen your skills.