Does this class description sound basic?

[sto2299001]

I am 26 yrs old. I have been working as a Maryland HVAC apprentice for 6 months with little prior training. I found a course which is offered next month, it is one of six courses offered to graduate from the community college. The courses are offered offsite at there skilled trades center. For each course completed you earn a college certificate and at the end of the 6 courses you can earn the diploma. Here is the course description copy and pasted. I also will attach a link. I plan on taking a CFC prep course in 2 weeks at another school, at the end of the two weeks you take the CFC exam.

Description:
This course is the first level of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum for HVAC/R students. Students will be introduced to career opportunities in the HVAC/R field, tools of the trade and trade mathematics. Other topics include copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing and ferrous metal piping practices. This course is equivalent to the Fast Track technical trade program offered in the public schools. Textbook required at first class.

http://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/course_detail.aspx?courseID=6442454779

My problem: Having been on the job since April/May, I already know how to braze and solder, I have been on 25 installations. I know how to use the tools, and it sounds basic ,but I want the certifications and diploma for the future.

Any thoughts?

[supertek65]

I am sorry in this sounds offensive , but it is not i assure you.


So let me get this straight!

Since you already have like 150 days experience as a helper, you feel as if you no longer need to waste your time in class anymore?

[sto2299001]

I hope your joking because that is not what I am saying at all. Thanks for the reply.

[jpsmith1cm]

I hope your joking because that is not what I am saying at all. Thanks for the reply.

It sure sounds like what you're saying.

[sto2299001]

I plan on being in the classroom for years to come, in this field you can spend a lifetime learning..I just thought this class sounded a tad bit rudimentary.. I know 150 days is not much ,but I have covered the initial basics outside the classroom. I appreciate it.

[sto2299001]

It sure sounds like what you're saying.

then maybe I should delete this post and rephrase the message I was trying to convey.

[jpsmith1cm]

Here's a recipe for some success in this trade.

Go to EVERY class that you can.
Work EVERY shift and job you can.
Listen to EVERY old, grumpy service guy you can. Heck, buy him a coffee and a donut. He might take pity on you and teach you something.

NEVER, NEVER, EVER, think that you know everything.

[jpsmith1cm]

I plan on being in the classroom for years to come, in this field you can spend a lifetime learning..I just thought this class sounded a tad bit rudimentary.. I know 150 days is not much ,but I have covered the initial basics outside the classroom. I appreciate it.

Well, that sounds better.

Even the most rudimentary class can teach you something.

Promise.

[supertek65]

x2




Here's a recipe for some success in this trade.

Go to EVERY class that you can.
Work EVERY shift and job you can.
Listen to EVERY old, grumpy service guy you can. Heck, buy him a coffee and a donut. He might take pity on you and teach you something.

NEVER, NEVER, EVER, think that you know everything.

[cw0682]

Not sure but sounds like a couple of old, grumpy service guys trying to get a coffee and donut here.

But, they are very correct, every oppurtunity you can you should try to attend if you can. Even the most basic course has info that can be learned or relearned. Just remember there is more than one way to skin a cat. Some may be better than others and someone teaching such a basic class may very well have a better way that you had not seen or thought about. Not to mention you will meet other people in the trade and make contacts that you can carry through your carreer.

So quit being a bone head and suck it up...

[OldSchoolMech]

So you can braze? Can you you re wire something from scratch of a wire diagram?
I am young like you but have WAY more experience then you and credential then you and. I am going to George brown in October and taking a workshop at carrier tommorow. You never stop learning in this trade. Take as much training you can get it will make you a better tech

[partime59]

pgcc is not a very good choice, catonsville or nova if u want to get your moneys worth and creditable skills that result in better pay, troubleshooting, also sign up for 602 apprentiship

[jpsmith1cm]

Not sure but sounds like a couple of old, grumpy service guys trying to get a coffee and donut here.



:whistle:

[sto2299001]

So you can braze? Can you you re wire something from scratch of a wire diagram?
I am young like you but have WAY more experience then you and credential then you and. I am going to George brown in October and taking a workshop at carrier tommorow. You never stop learning in this trade. Take as much training you can get it will make you a better tech

I am actually working in the field, I was involved in two installations today and lunch on the boss, jealous much?

[sto2299001]

pgcc is not a very good choice, catonsville or nova if u want to get your moneys worth and creditable skills that result in better pay, troubleshooting, also sign up for 602 apprentiship

I have two buddies who went to PGCC and now work for AIRTEMP. It really comes down to what you put into it. My father happens to be a Master technician so I have him at my disposal 24 hours a day. Catonsville and Nova are too far, especially with rush-hour traffic. I already have an apprenticeship, but if I did't 602 steam fitters would be a good choice.

[indy2000]

you want to be a 'tech' or mecahnic?

Rest assure you may think you know how to braze 'an all.......but I think you know better than make that statement.

[zartangreen]

ThE best thing is when U finaly know everything or believe u do u will realize that it's not what u know it's who u Know,,

or u better have a good thing
watch episode 20 how i met your mother

[HVAC-matt]

I would take the class. I had been in the trade for 2 years before I took my first class and I learned something at every class that I took. Now I am enrolled in my 150 hr HVAC electrical code class, we are working out of the NEC code book and I am learning many things a night that I am there. I wish that I was younger when I got in the field because now that I am married with two children time is alot harder to come by but you only get out of life what you put in. So take the class even if you think it is basic because everything is a stepping stone. Good Luck

[toocoolforschool]

a picture is worth a thousand words!!!!
I am sorry in this sounds offensive , but it is not i assure you.


So let me get this straight!

Since you already have like 150 days experience as a helper, you feel as if you no longer need to waste your time in class anymore?

[toocoolforschool]

I have two buddies who went to PGCC and now work for AIRTEMP. It really comes down to what you put into it. My father happens to be a Master technician so I have him at my disposal 24 hours a day. Catonsville and Nova are too far, especially with rush-hour traffic. I already have an apprenticeship, but if I did't 602 steam fitters would be a good choice.
What happens when DADDY gets sick of you.?
I'm already sick of you and I'm just looking at your picture. Just kidding.

[toocoolforschool]

One leaky braze is all it takes to dump a whole bunch of freon. Trust me some are harder than others.

[sto2299001]

I would take the class. I had been in the trade for 2 years before I took my first class and I learned something at every class that I took. Now I am enrolled in my 150 hr HVAC electrical code class, we are working out of the NEC code book and I am learning many things a night that I am there. I wish that I was younger when I got in the field because now that I am married with two children time is alot harder to come by but you only get out of life what you put in. So take the class even if you think it is basic because everything is a stepping stone. Good Luck

Thanks man, how old are you? Yea I wish I started earlier sometimes too.

[sto2299001]

What happens when DADDY gets sick of you.?
I'm already sick of you and I'm just looking at your picture. Just kidding.

LOL thanks alot.

[sto2299001]

One leaky braze is all it takes to dump a whole bunch of freon. Trust me some are harder than others.

True. But as long as your nitrogen holds you should be able to detect the leak prior to charging the system.

[indy2000]

True. But as long as your nitrogen holds you should be able to detect the leak prior to charging the system.

that would be a wrong assumption.

I had a 75HP screw, take out a 90 on the discharge line after 2 days of run time, and after a standing pressure test, 2 1/8 long radius.

I failed to get the silfos deep into the slip of the joint..................bye bye 500lbs of r-507.

[sto2299001]

that would be a wrong assumption.

I had a 75HP screw, take out a 90 on the discharge line after 2 days of run time, and after a standing pressure test, 2 1/8 long radius.

I failed to get the silfos deep into the slip of the joint..................bye bye 500lbs of r-507.

Well then are you using a vacuum gauge and holding to detect the leak? Beside carefully checking you solder joints how else are you checking prior to charging the system.

[ryan1088]

Well, that sounds better.

Even the most rudimentary class can teach you something.

Promise.

The more classes you take, the more you learn that you don't know as much as you think you do. Take any class that you can.

There is a trick to this field and it's pretty simple. Mouth shut, ears open, cell phone in the truck and learn from other people's mistakes along with yours.

You'll know when supertek is being serious, there won't be 10 !!!! after the sentence!

[sto2299001]

that would be a wrong assumption.

I had a 75HP screw, take out a 90 on the discharge line after 2 days of run time, and after a standing pressure test, 2 1/8 long radius.

I failed to get the silfos deep into the slip of the joint..................bye bye 500lbs of r-507.

Who paid for all that gas?

[sto2299001]

that would be a wrong assumption.

I had a 75HP screw, take out a 90 on the discharge line after 2 days of run time, and after a standing pressure test, 2 1/8 long radius.

I failed to get the silfos deep into the slip of the joint..................bye bye 500lbs of r-507.

Why didn't you clean it up real good and use the 45% silver with flux?

[indy2000]

Well then are you using a vacuum gauge and holding to detect the leak? Beside carefully checking you solder joints how else are you checking prior to charging the system.

system passed standing pressure,300psig, and evac test, 280microns

[indy2000]

Who paid for all that gas?

My company, labor (9hrs) me.

[indy2000]

Why didn't you clean it up real good and use the 45% silver with flux?

15sil is standard.

second repair, has held since then...........with the braze througout the slip it will not be a problem now.

Moral, I think of myself as a competent welder, but now and then we all get a slice of humble pie.

[HVAC-matt]

Thanks man, how old are you? Yea I wish I started earlier sometimes too.

I am 31 but went to college after I got out of high school. Not saying I regret anything but wish I had saved myself some money. But I guess everything happens for a reason. Thats where I met my wife.

[supertek65]

i started young!!!!!!!!!!!!

now my back, knees, elbows and hands hurt! my ears and eyes have taken a beating too!!!!!!!!!!!

[wicat3]

I plan on being in the classroom for years to come, in this field you can spend a lifetime learning..I just thought this class sounded a tad bit rudimentary.. I know 150 days is not much ,but I have covered the initial basics outside the classroom. I appreciate it.

You might have the basics covered in the feild and to some thats all they need but for around my area you cant even take the test for a licsense without classroom theroy. It may be the same thing over and over again but thats part of the process. I have a hard time with classrooms and trying to learn from a book that some guys reads out of, im much better with hands on training but you need that classroom theroy to really help out in the field.

[toocoolforschool]

I am eating some more humble pie today, I am full already.

[sto2299001]

I am eating some more humble pie today, I am full already.

lol

[sto2299001]

lol

[AYservicetech]

Take the class! If youve got the time it definitely cant hurt you.

OldSchool- good choice in schools, what are you taking in october? If refrig, which level? I too am from t.o .. Whatever you do, dont go to centennial. . . Took my intermediate level there..... F'n horrible

[mechanical'al]

you have to step back and think you may have some exp. with said tools & techniques so you may be a leg up from 1 or 2 class mates though a good instructer will pick up on that and take you to the next step you will learn if you have the right attitude

[ADillon]

It is funny to read what people say on these things... you can read one thread that does nothing but bash trade schools and then you can read another where everyone insists that you should pay for and attend a remedial class called 'introduction to hvac'. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Mine is that this course will be a waste of time, for someone who has ANY experience in the field. These courses are always at the beginning of trade programs they are to teach basic math (+,-,/,x) and fractions. They teach you how to use a drill and tape measure and basic safety. These courses are for people who have NO mechanical experience and don't know what the trade is about. They teach the histroy of HVAC and career oportunites. I have taught these courses and they are very necissary for some students. Many students don't know how to use a wrench or tighten the chuck on a drill.. it sounds funny but it is true. Also many students don't know what an air conditioner is (again sad but true) These courses are often offered becasue of liablity purposes. How long is the course? How long have you been in the field? You have almost certainly covered the majority of the course material simply by having been in the field for a short time. Not to say that there aren't details that you could pick up, but is it worth your time and money? I don't feel that you are being cocky at all by asking if this would be to remedial... it likely is. You are simply asking if your time and effort could be put to better use in a different class... it likely can be. The brazing and soldering that you will learn will be basic/remedial. again there may be details but becasue you are already familiar with the process you can pick up on these details by reading a book/chapter on brazing techniques. The instructor will likely be busy with students who can't do division or read a tape measure or are scared to light a torch. Educationis crucial but directing your efforts in the right direction is crucial as well. I feel like these guys have jumped down your throat unfairly. You are familiar with the industry and have some job experience and resources in the field. I would look into a course that will be more challenging and will better reward your time, money and effort. Again this is just my opinion. It is dubious that anything you learn in the area of brazing will be advanced enough to save you from a failed 90 joint on a discharge line that held pressure and made it down to 500 microns. I could be wrong, but i'm not. Good luck!

[sto2299001]

It is funny to read what people say on these things... you can read one thread that does nothing but bash trade schools and then you can read another where everyone insists that you should pay for and attend a remedial class called 'introduction to hvac'. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Mine is that this course will be a waste of time, for someone who has ANY experience in the field. These courses are always at the beginning of trade programs they are to teach basic math (+,-,/,x) and fractions. They teach you how to use a drill and tape measure and basic safety. These courses are for people who have NO mechanical experience and don't know what the trade is about. They teach the histroy of HVAC and career oportunites. I have taught these courses and they are very necissary for some students. Many students don't know how to use a wrench or tighten the chuck on a drill.. it sounds funny but it is true. Also many students don't know what an air conditioner is (again sad but true) These courses are often offered becasue of liablity purposes. How long is the course? How long have you been in the field? You have almost certainly covered the majority of the course material simply by having been in the field for a short time. Not to say that there aren't details that you could pick up, but is it worth your time and money? I don't feel that you are being cocky at all by asking if this would be to remedial... it likely is. You are simply asking if your time and effort could be put to better use in a different class... it likely can be. The brazing and soldering that you will learn will be basic/remedial. again there may be details but becasue you are already familiar with the process you can pick up on these details by reading a book/chapter on brazing techniques. The instructor will likely be busy with students who can't do division or read a tape measure or are scared to light a torch. Educationis crucial but directing your efforts in the right direction is crucial as well. I feel like these guys have jumped down your throat unfairly. You are familiar with the industry and have some job experience and resources in the field. I would look into a course that will be more challenging and will better reward your time, money and effort. Again this is just my opinion. It is dubious that anything you learn in the area of brazing will be advanced enough to save you from a failed 90 joint on a discharge line that held pressure and made it down to 500 microns. I could be wrong, but i'm not. Good luck!


Haha. Thanks for a great reply. Yea I don't think this course will go that far in depth. Thanks buddy

[supertek65]

ADILLON

i think what guys are saying is

all school is good
reading is good
training is good


since most guys start out at $10 an hour out of school doing installs
maybe a $50k tech school is not a good investment?

maybe local community college and or some RSES classes would be money better spent?

that said, if you are in school for 2 years and still cant get hvac work, keep going to school!

if you have a little bit of school and land a good hvac job, that job will teach you more than most tech schools and save you some money?

I always bust up laughing when a guy even mentions having a degree in HVAC!
that and a couple bucks will get you a bowl of soup!!!!!!!!!1 LMAO!!!!!!!

[sto2299001]

ADILLON

i think what guys are saying is

all school is good
reading is good
training is good


since most guys start out at $10 an hour out of school doing installs
maybe a $50k tech school is not a good investment?

maybe local community college and or some RSES classes would be money better spent?

that said, if you are in school for 2 years and still cant get hvac work, keep going to school!

if you have a little bit of school and land a good hvac job, that job will teach you more than most tech schools and save you some money?

I always bust up laughing when a guy even mentions having a degree in HVAC!
that and a couple bucks will get you a bowl of soup!!!!!!!!!1 LMAO!!!!!!!

Since its slow right now were doing alot more install work. I was on three furnace installs last week, and on Monday were installing a 90+ furnace and a boiler. I have a HVAC class starting soon ,but I really need to start taking advantage of those RSES classes. I just felt like posting here tonight.

[canusayinsanity]

That made my day.. been a long time since I've heard/seen BONE HEAD lmao. I don't know why but just hilarious.. been laughing past 5 min

[canusayinsanity]

They are right, get as much info as possible even if it seems elementary. Take classes,get certs, and free classes at supply houses.

[SavageVerve]

Personally I went to a trade school for a year, it only cost me 2 grand that I got back with taxes and they had us draw wiring diagrams/schematics, wire circuits, teach us the physics behind everything, broke down gas and oil furnaces and boilers along with air conditioners, had us install equipment in the class room and got a bunch of certifications out of it including epa with no extra charges

[RayD8630]

Geeze Frankie maybe have a little less gruppy in that coffee haha. Just kidding brother.


I think he was just asking is if the class is worth it. Its good to ask about the different classes and schools out there to make sure youre not ending up somewhere the instructor just tells you to read while he plays angry birds. But do try to go to as many things as you can especially if theyre free and even more so if theres free food. Even if you walk out learning one thing new it was still worth it.

[sto2299001]

Geeze Frankie maybe have a little less gruppy in that coffee haha. Just kidding brother.


I think he was just asking is if the class is worth it. Its good to ask about the different classes and schools out there to make sure youre not ending up somewhere the instructor just tells you to read while he plays angry birds. But do try to go to as many things as you can especially if theyre free and even more so if theres free food. Even if you walk out learning one thing new it was still worth it.
Thanks man, right on, great reply! You read my mind.

[supertek65]

you are just gruppy cus you got to live in the same country as doug!!!!!!




Geeze Frankie maybe have a little less gruppy in that coffee haha. Just kidding brother.


I think he was just asking is if the class is worth it. Its good to ask about the different classes and schools out there to make sure youre not ending up somewhere the instructor just tells you to read while he plays angry birds. But do try to go to as many things as you can especially if theyre free and even more so if theres free food. Even if you walk out learning one thing new it was still worth it.