Just certified,what to do next?

[bigg bear]

I just finished my certification and looking forward to getting started.Unfortunatly all my knowledge is from books due to taking my course online.My question is should I look for apprenticeship or look to build up a business parttime for now?

[hvacvegas]

What do you mean build a business parttime? Your not thinking of installing/servicing are you?

You need an apprenticeship, or go work for a company and be under someones wing for a few years.

Book learning doesn't even hold a flame to real world learning. I spent 2 years of 4 hours a day in high school doing HVAC book learning. The only thing it taught me is HOW to read install manuals if I had a question.

[yellowirenut]

what type of Certification? There are hundreds of different certifications for a WIDE variety of hvac related professions.

EPA Section 608 Certification? Then you have done the first step of a marathon.

This is an excellent web site for knowledge...get your post up to 15 and become a pro member:putergreet:

[sigma]

I just finished my certification and looking forward to getting started.Unfortunatly all my knowledge is from books due to taking my course online.My question is should I look for apprenticeship or look to build up a business parttime for now?





What is your background? What is your HVAC schooling besides online courses to become certified?

[Texas-Tech]

Practice on your own equip, then your family and friends. Just don't break anything.

[tinner73]

online training cert?? you're ready to open you own little shop.:cliff:

[Rangers911]

I just finished my certification and looking forward to getting started.Unfortunatly all my knowledge is from books due to taking my course online.My question is should I look for apprenticeship or look to build up a business parttime for now?

I'd suggest working with a local business. As has been mentioned there are many differences between working on a real item instead of being in a classroom setting.

if you have some old junk machines you can use those for playing with and working on. I'd suggest start working some and then start your own business, now you have to be careful because some employers frown on that.

[rogerk]

Time to open your own shop, your ready. After taking the online "how to run a successful HVAC contracting business in a down economy when nobody wants to spend a dime on repairs or installs and everyone and their uncle owns a HVAC business because they took and online course" course.

[supertek65]

http://bestsmileys.com/lol/1.gif



Time to open your own shop, your ready. After taking the online "how to run a successful HVAC contracting business in a down economy when nobody wants to spend a dime on repairs or installs and everyone and their uncle owns a HVAC business because they took and online course" course.

[lions_lair]

Are you licensed with the state,insured,registered with your city?if not. I doubt you are ready to set up shop. We did it back in the day..but things have changed..

[beenthere]

Those books/online course, haven't even scratched the surface of preparing you to work in the field. Don't try starting your own business just because you passed that course.

Get a job, and learn, no unit has ever started to work because someone flashed it their degree or certification.

[simplyrollin]

Thoughts of opening your own business at your experience level are scary. In no way are you prepared to do that. You should work for someone for many years until you have a broad knowledge of service, install, design, etc. In this field, you can get in trouble very quickly and find yourself in a seriously bad situation. You have to remember, you are working with hazardous materials, explosive materials, high voltage, high pressure, etc.

[JumpMan23]

I just finished the 2 year program at my trade college, what are some good entry level/apprentice options? Any good companies that would provide on the job training? Thanks.

[hvacvegas]

I just finished the 2 year program at my trade college, what are some good entry level/apprentice options? Any good companies that would provide on the job training? Thanks.

Union.
Local HVAC company.
Friend of a friend who owns a heating and cooling company (my path).

[JumpMan23]

[QUOTE=hvacvegas;9382672]Union.
Local HVAC company.
Friend of a friend who owns a heating and cooling company (my path).[/QUOTE
There's quite a few HVAC companies around my area, but most seem to want experience, I hope it's not required though. I heard C & L takes in a lot of new techs so I may look into them.

[mcljkl]

I spent alot of money for school and found out after 3 yrs that I only scratched the surface and those big checks they tell you about well dont expect those for quite some time and alot of sweat. My suggestion is to go out and get a job with a company willing to teach you and dont worry about how much your going to make the knowledge you get from on the job training is 100 times more than any school. Ask questions and pay attention and you should be good to go.