ARPEC
ARPEC is a non-profit HVAC/R and pipefitting apprenticeship training trust in South Florida, jointly administered by UA Local Union 725 and MCASF, providing fully employer-funded 5-year apprenticeships to adults entering the mechanical trades.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1949
- HeadquartersMiami, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What ARPEC does
ARPEC (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Professionals of South Florida) is a non-profit apprenticeship training trust founded in 1949 and headquartered in Opa-Locka, Florida (13201 NW 45th Ave, Miami). It operates a 5-year registered apprenticeship program combining 1,260 classroom hours with approximately 8,500 on-the-job training hours, producing HVAC/R service technicians and pipefitters. The program is jointly administered by UA Local Union 725 (representing 1,200+ members in South Florida) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of South Florida (MCASF), under curriculum designed by the United Association, which represents ~373,000 members nationally.
The technical training stack consists of state-of-the-art HVACR refrigeration systems, pipefitting fabrication machines, custom-built trainers simulating real-world scenarios, smart boards, and computer tablets. Two core programs (HVAC/R Service and Pipefitting) are supplemented by a Pre-Apprenticeship Training on-ramp and Journeymen Continuing Education. Modern curriculum content includes building automation, energy management, variable frequency drives, and fluid balancing.
ARPEC's revenue model is structurally distinct from a typical for-profit company: apprentices receive 100% scholarships (tuition, books, and tablets) funded through hourly labor contract contributions paid by 60+ affiliated MCASF contractor employers. A $60 non-refundable application fee is the only direct student payment. Apprentices earn $44,000 in their first year, $60,000 post-first year, and $90,000+ ($125,000+ with benefits) as journeymen, with continuing education funded through an employee benefits trust. The customer base is not students in a commercial sense but the union-signatory contractor network that funds the trust and absorbs graduates into employment.
ARPEC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ARPEC
- Legal name
- ARPEC (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Professionals of South Florida)
- Website
- https://arpec.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1949
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- ARPEC is a non-profit HVAC/R and pipefitting apprenticeship training trust in South Florida, jointly administered by UA Local Union 725 and MCASF, providing fully employer-funded 5-year apprenticeships to adults entering the mechanical trades.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ARPEC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Training
- NAICS
- Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Training Delivery Providers (In-Person, Virtual, Train-the-Trainer) (BPACANAM), Technical & Vocational (TVET) Simulations (Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Automotive) (EDAFAJAB), Construction, Engineering & Skilled Trades Licensure Prep (EDAAANAL)
Keywords
Where ARPEC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Miami
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
ARPEC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Apprenticeship Training Funded by Employers: Each ARPEC apprentice receives a scholarship covering 100% of tuition, books and related materials. The training is funded by affiliated employers who pay into the program through the labor contract's hourly contribution. Apprentices are required to work for affiliated employers who fund their training.
- Continuing Education for Journeymen: Free training classes offered throughout journeymen's careers on technical training, professional development, and personal finance. These are funded through the employee benefits trust.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Full Scholarship - 100% Tuition Coverage |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pre-Apprentice Wage |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | First Year Apprentice Compensation |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Post-First Year Compensation |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Journeyman Compensation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
ARPEC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ARPEC delivers 5-year apprenticeship programs in HVAC/R service technology and pipefitting that pair 1,260 hours of classroom instruction with approximately 8,500 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices receive a 100% scholarship covering tuition, books, and tablet computers, plus EPA certification in the first year and guaranteed job placement with affiliated mechanical contractors. The program is supported by a pre-apprenticeship pathway and free continuing-education classes for journeymen.
Product overview
ARPEC offers a unified apprenticeship training program with two core offerings: the HVAC/R Service Program and the Pipefitting Program. Both programs combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training over a five-year period. Supporting offerings include pre-apprenticeship training for candidates new to the industry, and continuing education classes for journeymen. The programs provide a 100% scholarship covering tuition, textbooks, and tablet computers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HVAC/R Service Program
Quantifiable outcome
- First year apprentices earn approximately $44,000 total compensation, increasing to $60,000 after the first year, and $90,000+ ($125,000+ with benefits) upon becoming a Journeyman
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ARPEC
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ARPEC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
ARPEC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- UA Local Union 725coreJointly administers ARPEC with MCASF. Local Union 725 provides job placement assistance throughout apprentices' careers and represents more than 1,200 members in South Florida. Established in 1950 and affiliated with the United Association.
- Mechanical Contractors Association of South Florida (MCASF)coreJointly administers ARPEC with Local Union 725. MCASF represents contractors who build and service HVAC, refrigeration and piping systems in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas. Founded in 1948, affiliated with MCAA.
- United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)coreOne of the largest and most prestigious trade unions in the country. UA designed the apprenticeship program curriculum used by ARPEC. Represents approximately 373,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders and pipefitters throughout North America.
- Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)majorMCASF is affiliated with MCAA, one of the nation's most respected and influential trade associations. MCAA serves the unique needs of approximately 2,600 contractors involved in the heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping and mechanical service industries.
- Miami Dade County Public SchoolssupportingEducational institution partnership for recruiting prospective students and providing career pathway information.
- Broward County Public SchoolssupportingEducational institution partnership for recruiting prospective students and providing career pathway information.
- Benefit ServicessupportingProvides professional administration of employee benefits for UA Local Union 725 members including health care plan, retirement funds, members assistance program, and employee training trust.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ARPEC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ECPI University: For-profit institution with campuses offering technical and mechanical training programs including HVAC-adjacent coursework. Comparable as a multi-modality career education provider targeting similar adult-learner segments.
- Lincoln Tech: Multi-campus for-profit institution offering HVAC/R, welding, and mechanical programs nationally. Closely comparable in trade-school delivery model and target student demographic, competing for the same prospective apprentices.
- Ashworth College: Online vocational and trade-certification provider covering HVAC, electrical, and mechanical fields. Comparable as a self-paced distance-learning alternative targeting the same apprentice/working-adult audience.
- Associated Builders and Contractors: National non-union trade association that sponsors apprenticeship and craft-training programs across HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical disciplines. Closely comparable as an apprenticeship sponsor model, contrasting ARPEC's union-affiliated structure.
- Midwest Technical Institute: Regional for-profit trade school offering HVAC/R, welding, electrical, and pipefitting programs across the Midwest. Closely comparable in trade mix, hands-on delivery model, and target demographic of career-changing adults.
- Universal Technical Institute: National for-profit provider of HVAC, welding, and mechanical trades education with multi-campus delivery. Directly comparable as a scaled HVAC/trade school, though it differs in funding model (tuition-based) and union independence.
- Penn Foster: Online vocational and trade-certification school serving working adults seeking credentials in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and skilled trades. Comparable as an alternative pathway provider for adult learners pursuing trades careers.
- SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation) International Union: International union running HVAC and sheet-metal apprenticeship programs across North America with jointly administered labor-management training trusts. Closely comparable in union-sponsored apprenticeship structure and HVAC/mechanical scope.
- Independent Electrical Contractors: National non-union trade association running four-year apprenticeship programs for skilled craft workers. Comparable as a multi-employer apprenticeship sponsor, though focused on electrical rather than HVAC/pipefitting.
Others
- National Center for Construction Education and Research: Industry-recognized credentialing body that sets curriculum standards for craft training across HVAC, pipefitting, welding, and construction trades. Comparable as an enabling institution whose curricula underpin apprenticeship programs like ARPEC's.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ARPEC social profiles
Digital presenceARPEC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ARPEC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
ARPEC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ARPEC M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ARPEC
What does ARPEC do?
ARPEC delivers 5-year apprenticeship programs in HVAC/R service technology and pipefitting that pair 1,260 hours of classroom instruction with approximately 8,500 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices receive a 100% scholarship covering tuition, books, and tablet computers, plus EPA certification in the first year and guaranteed job placement with affiliated mechanical contractors. The program is supported by a pre-apprenticeship pathway and free continuing-education classes for journeymen.
Is ARPEC a public or private company?
ARPEC is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was ARPEC founded?
ARPEC was founded in 1949. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is ARPEC based?
ARPEC is headquartered in Miami, United States, in the North America region.
How does ARPEC make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Apprenticeship Training Funded by Employers are the primary driver. The others are continuing Education for Journeymen.
Who are ARPEC's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ECPI University, Lincoln Tech, Ashworth College, Associated Builders and Contractors, Midwest Technical Institute, Universal Technical Institute, Penn Foster, SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation) International Union and Independent Electrical Contractors. National Center for Construction Education and Research is listed as an others.
Does ARPEC have an API?
No public API is recorded for ARPEC.
What industry is ARPEC in?
ARPEC's product category is Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPACANAK, Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs, with a secondary code of BPACANAM, Training Delivery Providers (In-Person, Virtual, Train-the-Trainer). Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.