STATE-RECOGNIZED TRADE APPRENTICESHIP
Build a Career in the Trades
No experience? Start here. Putnam Maintenance University combines structured instruction with real, hands-on training so you can build your skills, complete required field hours, and work toward a recognized trade credential.
Hands-On Training
Real Field Experience
Career Progression
Putnam Maintenance University
WHY PUTNAM UNIVERSITY
Learn a Trade by Actually Doing It
You don’t need years of experience to start building a career in the trades. Putnam Maintenance University gives you a structured path to learn from experienced professionals, train on real equipment, complete hands-on field hours, and progress through defined levels as your skills grow.
Learn From Experienced Pros
Train alongside experienced, certified professionals who know the work because they do it every day.
Complete Real Field Hours
Build hands-on experience on real equipment and real service calls—not just in a classroom.
Progress Through the Program
Complete training levels, build your credentials, and create a clear path toward the next stage of your career.
HOW IT WORKS
Start Here. Build From There.
Apply to the program
Tell us a little about yourself and the trade you’re interested in. Previous trade experience isn’t required.
Learn + Train
Combine structured instruction with hands-on experience alongside professionals in the field.
Complete Your Hours + Levels
Build the required experience while progressing through defined training levels and developing real trade skills.
Build Your Career
WHERE THIS CAN TAKE YOU
Work toward your State Certificate of Completion and take the next step in your trade career.
Putnam Maintenance University is designed to give you a foundation for a long-term career in the trades. As you complete training, field hours, and program levels, you’ll build the experience and credentials to keep moving forward.
HVAC Installer
Plumbing
Electrical
work on real equiptment
University apprenticeships
Trades We Specialize In
HVAC is our flagship, but the apprenticeship spans the trades Putnam runs on — so you can build a career in the work that fits you best.
start your career
Apply to Putnam Maintenance University
Ready to build a career in the trades? Apply today. No previous trade experience is required to get started. Our team will review your information and contact you about available opportunities and next steps.
Where you'll train
Cookeville, TN 38501
Apply
We’ll only use your information to contact you about Putnam Maintenance University and apprenticeship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Putnam Maintenance University?
Putnam Maintenance University is Putnam Maintenance’s state-recognized apprenticeship program. Apprentices combine classroom instruction with hands-on, on-the-job training under experienced professionals while working toward a State Certificate of Completion.
Do apprentices get paid while they train?
Yes. Apprentices work as part of the Putnam Maintenance team while completing their training, allowing them to earn while they learn.
What does the apprenticeship include?
The program combines structured classroom instruction with real-world, on-the-job training. Apprentices learn the technical side of the trade while applying those skills alongside experienced technicians in the field.
Who teaches the apprenticeship?
Apprentices train under experienced, state-certified professionals who bring real-world knowledge from the trades into both classroom and hands-on instruction.
What certification do I earn?
Apprentices earn credentials as they progress through the program and work toward a State Certificate of Completion after completing the full apprenticeship requirements.
Do I need previous HVAC or trade experience to apply?
Previous experience is not required. Putnam Maintenance University is designed to help apprentices build their skills through instruction and hands-on experience.
What does the HVAC apprenticeship cover?
The HVAC apprenticeship combines technical classroom instruction with hands-on experience servicing, maintaining, diagnosing, and working with heating and cooling systems under experienced professionals.
How do I apply to Putnam Maintenance University?
Submit an application through Putnam Maintenance University to begin the process. Our team will review your information and contact qualified applicants about available apprenticeship opportunities and next steps.
Where is Putnam Maintenance University located?
Putnam Maintenance University is based in Cookeville, Tennessee, and provides hands-on training for apprentices working with Putnam Maintenance throughout Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland.