Better way to get into the field ?

[Eastsider]

I want to switch career paths and get into the HVACR field. Right now I basically have two options and wanted to know which one is better. The first is a community college HVAC course for two years and a associates degree. The second option is a trade school that is accreited as a college and when you finish the 16 month course you get 4,000 hours towards you MA refrigeration license. Any feedback would really be appreciated.

[referteacher]

Join the United Association as an apprentice and "Earn As You Learn".

[maxpower]

Join the United Association as an apprentice and "Earn As You Learn".

I've seen how apprentices(go-fer's) get treated in the field. I wouldn't reccommend it.

[hillbuck]

I just finished a UA apprenticeship .Besides the typical cracking on each other I was never treated with anything less than respect.Act like a professional....get treated like a professional.Act like a punk.....

[damid1]

I don’t know your age or how you would feel about it but if you qualify you could join the military, just make certain you get HVAC as your guaranteed job.
The Govt. would train you in return for a four year commitment by you.
Many on this board have chosen this route to learn HVAC and feel that the training and experience we have received are second to none.
I would also recommend the USAF over the Navy.:)

[colddr469]

I don’t know your age or how you would feel about it but if you qualify you could join the military, just make certain you get HVAC as your guaranteed job.
The Govt. would train you in return for a four year commitment by you.
Many on this board have chosen this route to learn HVAC and feel that the training and experience we have received are second to none.
I would also recommend the USAF over the Navy.:)
I did the Air Force and am in the UA now and would recomend the UA as the way to go the pay is far better than anything else out there plus Medical. dental. vision, Retirement. Even as an apprentice hill buck could probablly attest to that.

[navyhydronics]

I don’t know your age or how you would feel about it but if you qualify you could join the military, just make certain you get HVAC as your guaranteed job.
The Govt. would train you in return for a four year commitment by you.
Many on this board have chosen this route to learn HVAC and feel that the training and experience we have received are second to none.
I would also recommend the USAF over the Navy.:)

Of course i have to say go Navy if you want to go commercial/industrial hvac or refrigeration (big systems). The USAF has better residential training, but you will make less money in the USAF and that would suck.:D