Inexperienced BC guys trying to get started

[cooljob]

Are there any other guys in BC who have been trying to get on with an outfit and had any success or even any leads? I've been knockin' on doors and puttin' out resumes like crazy but no bites yet. Maybe due to the slow start to Spring? I really don't know.

Have been thinking of trying other provinces if that's what it takes to gain some experience. Any of you across Canada aware of areas in need of mechanic's helper's? I really want to get started in the trade so I'd be willing to relocate if it meant gaining skills.

[TXSpeed6]

We hear a lot of complaints of hard to find help down here in South Texas, you could give that a shot.

[cooljob]

That's interesting. Might be tough to get a work permit though. Thanks for the input!

[penetr8or]

If you haven't done a pre-app or anything then you have a steep hill to climb. I would recommend doing this at Jarts or BCIT. There are tons of guys who have done this and still have trouble getting in. You have to set yourself apart from the other rookies or get real lucky it seems.

[lortech]

I just finished JARTS last week. We were told that JARTS is the ONLY credited refrigeration school in BC. BCIT lost there provincial credication about twelve years ago.

I have been told I am good at learning the material by the instructor due to my past as a tradesman in other fields. It helps to get to know the fundamentals first, pass the TDGR and learn the electrical part, as that is the hardest part of the trade.

[penetr8or]

Whoever told you that is misinformed. While they may have lost their accreditation at some point, they have had it for at least the last 8 years. I did all my schooling there and was given full credit for it.

[lortech]

Sorry, I mean to say designation.

http://216.139.242.17/TrainingInstitutions-program.php?TradeProfileID=103

My instructor, now retired, told me that that is what happened when BCIT was doing such a horrid job back then, that almost all the students went to the deans office and took it over because the education at the time was so bad, that thay were not learning anything. Most who did get jobs, said never again and started JARTS out of pure frustration. Give the president of JARTS a call, he will confirm it.

[penetr8or]

Well, I have never attended Jarst, so I cant speak as to the quality of education you get there. I know that all my scooling was at BCIT and I did just fine on my IP and I do just fine out in the field. Would I be better or worse off if I had went to JARTS? Who knows. In the near future Jarts most likely will be the best school by a mile once their expansion is complete.

[lortech]

Just want to get your take on it. I have done telecom in the field. probably the least dangerous least dirty or physical of the trades if its only done inside.

This is more diverse, AND regulated meaning no immigrant can come here and just set up shop, government will not allow it. That is a good thing because that cheapens the trade. Look at telus and shaw? almost everyone who works for them is a subcontractor driving there own vehicle.

[penetr8or]

been in the field about 7 years now...... Not sure what I expected when I started, but I would do it over again for sure. Very few places to make this kind of money around here without some kind of degree. I tried to send you a pm but it said you don't receive them. I have a place or 2 you could try but i don't want to send it over the open forum.

[cooljob]

Yeah, I did the pre-app at Jarts too and I have a gasfitter c ticket. Still seems pretty slow at this point for new hires with no previous exp....like you said, might be a timing/ luck thing as I don't have any solid contacts working in this trade. I want to do this for sure, enough so that I'm looking at moving out of province to get some time and knowledge in. I've scoured the net for job postings but it still doesn't offer a good guage as to where hands are needed.
Any insight as to any hotspots? Alberta would be my guess but I really don't know for sure.

[lortech]

When I was in the military, I did not have a choice where to go. I went to sanantonio, Wichita falls texas, Albuquerque. It was a really interesting part of my life. Its not all roses after all, its the military and there was some stressful points in my life, but by all means, go where the job is. If the city looks good to live in then do it.

Cooljob, when did you graduate?

Total military and civilian moves, 22 times in my entire lifetime.

[cooljob]

I finished up the course in April. Beren putting out resumes and emails for 6 weeks now.

[lortech]

I will be applying my self. Not sure where it will go. I have been warned by others that work in the trade it is hard to break into it.

[ifreezie]

ive been looking too lol

[fv_tom]

Maybe we'll actually get some warm weather one of these days and things will pick up.

[cooljob]

@FV Tom: Oh boy would it be grand to get a nice long stretch of blistering heat!

I'm hoping that has a lot to do with the real lack of new hires and Mother Nature serves up an extended heatwave so we can get goin' here.

[nick982002]

From what I've been told a couple big companies did a bunch of layoffs recently. So it might be a little hard but if you want to make the sacrifice go up north or across the street to Alberta.

[lortech]

I am not to much worried. I will look and search. Just waiting for my TDGR card.

Yes up north during the summer :) if jobs here do not pick up.

[fv_tom]

Lortech - Yes I am an employee of a company.

[lortech]

Got my Jarts certificate, HRAI Depletion substance card and TDGR card in the mail. Now, need to get these resumes rolling. Did any of you previous jarts grads in the last few months prior to June get a job yet?

[wundumguy]

I just finished JARTS last week. We were told that JARTS is the ONLY credited refrigeration school in BC. BCIT lost there provincial credication about twelve years ago.

I have been told I am good at learning the material by the instructor due to my past as a tradesman in other fields. It helps to get to know the fundamentals first, pass the TDGR and learn the electrical part, as that is the hardest part of the trade.

ITA is a publicly funded agency established by the Industry Training Authority Act of British Columbia.
BCIT is a publicly funded institution governed by the College and Institute Act of British Columbia.
JARTS is a private school.

Guidelines for Training Providers Applying for ITA Program Designation (http://itabc.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=225)

Page 2:

ITA designation is mandatory for any private training provider intending to claim that their program is designated by ITA, recognized or endorsed by ITA, associated in any way with the ITA or the provincial apprenticeship system, or that the program will lead to credit toward an ITA Industry Training Program. Institutions designated by ITA are required to use the official name of the ITA Industry Training Program they are designated to deliver.

ITA designation is not mandatory for public post secondary institutions or public secondary schools... While not mandatry, institutions may still apply for designation, proceed through the designation process, receive valuable feedback on the program's suitability for its industry and intended audience and may be granted status as an ITA designated training provider.

An imperfect, but similarly ludicrous analogy:

In Canada, a police officer must carry a firearm, he may also possess a firearms licence, but he is not required to have a firearms licence to operate a firearm in the course of duty. The Brinks armored car guard tells you: Brinks guards are fully licenced, accredited and designated to operate a firearm but the public police officer is not designated to operate a firearm. A very true, yet grossly misleading statement that can only be made with the intention to mislead another individual.

BCIT does not need an ITA designation anymore than a police officer needs an FAC or PAL because the laws that govern them already establishes what they will do. However, JARTS is a private sector operation subject to regulations governing the industry in which it operates: private school trades training.

JARTS told you a half-truth, misrepresented the situation and willfully and intentionally mislead you.

[cooljob]

I'm still on the hunt brother. Might have a shot with Sears. Man, it's a rough go right now.

[bc guy]

I'm still on the hunt brother. Might have a shot with Sears. Man, it's a rough go right now.



http://jobview.monster.ca/First-Year-Apprentice-HVAC-Refrigeration-Mechanic-Local-516-Burnaby-BC-Job-Vancouver-BC-CA-100087288.aspx

[desroches]

I'm looking for guys in the Fort Mcmurray area, 17 days on 11 off or 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. if you can trouble shoot and have enough skills to change a compressor shoot me a PM

[lortech]

We had some hvac guys in the class including a Honeywell employee.

During the day, when I visit, Lots of large hvac company vans sit outside with the second,third year techs inside. Pretty busy place during the day.

[JimStreet]

Things are slow in BC and the cold spring didn't exactly help either. Last time I checked with the union, there were 20 or so apprentices looking for work. Even with a few years experience in service I've had very few leads.

[lortech]

Been in the trades most of my life so, I have worked with all kinds of automotive, electronic equipment and aviation. I am waiting for a resume specialist to see my resume, and make some changes before handing it out.

All I can say, is don't give up! move if you have to.

[nick982002]

Things are slow in BC and the cold spring didn't exactly help either. Last time I checked with the union, there were 20 or so apprentices looking for work. Even with a few years experience in service I've had very few leads.


It looks like a ****ty start to the summer to looks like ill be sitting on the sidelines again for another year.

[lortech]

So you have been trying to work as a hvac or refrigeration tech since last summer?

[nick982002]

So you have been trying to work as a hvac or refrigeration tech since last summer?

2009 actually well to be specific 2008

[lortech]

What training did you have? have you had your resume looked at by a professional?

[nick982002]

What training did you have? have you had your resume looked at by a professional?

I went to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for there Pre-app Refrigeration course I've had my Resume looked at several times.

[lortech]

What do you mean "looked at several times?" Do you mean you paid for a resume service to go over your resume?

Have you ever asked to have a informational interview with any of the employers that you applied to, and asked for a frank and honest opinion on your resume?

So you are saying, you took a pre-apprentice program? how long was it?

Ever have any interviews from the resumes you sent out?

[JimStreet]

What do you mean "looked at several times?" Do you mean you paid for a resume service to go over your resume?

Have you ever asked to have a informational interview with any of the employers that you applied to, and asked for a frank and honest opinion on your resume?

So you are saying, you took a pre-apprentice program? how long was it?

Ever have any interviews from the resumes you sent out?

I wouldn't worry too much about your resume. As long as its decent and easy to read, people will call you. I know quite a few people in the hvac industry in BC and all of them say its slow at the moment. Just too many people chasing after too few jobs.

Thermo King in Calgary was looking for new apprentices but its transport refrigeration, not hvac/r. Its an entirely different program.

Another area to that you might want to look at is commercial appliance repair. Companies like Key Foods, Russell Foods, Hobart. I get a lot more calls from these guys than from hvac companies at the moment.

[nick982002]

What do you mean "looked at several times?" Do you mean you paid for a resume service to go over your resume?
Job centers stuff like that unfortunately most of these places don't have anybody that has really been in the industry to write good resumes. But like Jim street says its a trade and its not heavily reliant on resumes most companies find out on the first day what you know how to do and what you don't know what to do.
Have you ever asked to have a informational interview with any of the employers that you applied to, and asked for a frank and honest opinion on your resume? I've had people call me an idiot and a liar for what's been on my Resume now i put stuff that doesn't seem to make me look like those things on it anymore.

So you are saying, you took a pre-apprentice program? how long was it?

three months worst program I ever took would go down that route again for anything it seems better just to start at the bottom and work up.

Ever have any interviews from the resumes you sent out?
I've mabye three Interviews since the last job I had but "A lot in the fire but nothing concrete", like one company manager said.


Its just heavy with green people it seems like and i wont get back to the hiring storm like it was before...

[koolkahuna]

If you want to stand out from other new guys, start reading and studying as many HVAC/R books as you can. List them on your resume, with the last one being the one you are currently reading.
Be ready to answer questions on any of the books.
Read up on equipment in the field, stop by the suppliers, RSL, ISC, DIA-ICE, etc. Be ready to work if someone comes in shorthanded. It can get your foot in the door.
Be there at 6:45am fully equipped, toolpouch/lunch/water/etc, and when asked by a possible future employer, the suppliers staff will tell them you are keen to work. That puts you ahead of the guy rolling out of bed, digging a smoke out, and wondering why the phone isn't ringing.
There is always work out there, it's just less easy to find now.
This also applies to someone already in the trade, if you are willing to put in the effort you can win the job.

Join and attend the local RSES meetings. Great place to meet employers, service managers, and fellow mechanics/techs that will put in a good word for you if they like you.

A common attitude I see is that the job should come to you because you have completed a program.
Even when you get hired, if you are always early, ready to go at a moments notice, constantly study and upgrade yourself, you will be the top choice for promotion in the company.
THIS makes a difference when things get slow and layoffs occur.

Good hunting!

[turkey]

Or just move to Ontario still lots of work around didn't slow down any where close to bc cheaper cost of living better wages and the best part is no more ICBC raping you and no medical to pay for

[lortech]

For some one young single, not commitments in BC, it would be best for that person to move to ontario, get the experience, then move back after a employer here offers them a job. I have a wife, family across the border. I would still move but the wife would stay behind.

I would not mind working in another province for a period of time. I will also consider buying the books and read them. Tell me which books to read and will pick them up.

BTW, I have considered being a electrician as my data experience would partially apply. BCIT webs site shows electricians making $30.00 per hour right out of the program.

[fv_tom]

BTW, I have considered being a electrician as my data experience would partially apply. BCIT webs site shows electricians making $30.00 per hour right out of the program.

LOL. I think a journeyman electrician makes 30 an hour.

[lortech]

Was the program four year where they would pass the red seal and make up to 30 per hour? I do not know how BCIT determines those wages but it could be a average for four year graduates.

Regardless, 30 per hour seemed to be a bit over stated.

BTW, do heating techs also do plumbing? I am curios to know more.

[keeplearnin]

That's interesting. Might be tough to get a work permit though. Thanks for the input!
Might be a long commute but probably worth becoming an American citizen.:angel:

[penetr8or]

Was the program four year where they would pass the red seal and make up to 30 per hour? I do not know how BCIT determines those wages but it could be a average for four year graduates.

Regardless, 30 per hour seemed to be a bit over stated.

BTW, do heating techs also do plumbing? I am curios to know more.

You should make a lot more than $30 an hour if you have your ticket. Union rate is just over $40 plus benefits, total package is over $55 per hour. As far as plumbing goes, you have to work on hydronic systems, but most places have plumbers to deal with pure plumbing issues. Really, it all depends on the company you work for.

[aky]

Any jarts grads have any tips or suggestions for someone wanting g to get into HVAC.

Extra courses to take or tickets to get.

[lortech]

No matter what, do not take the pre-apprentice program. Its not enough to be excepted in this trade without alot of other training. I submitted my resume to all the union companies after completing it and never did get a interview. Very frustrating and a bit of a waste of money.

BEFORE you waste your money, goto the hvac companies and do a informational interview. Google that word. Best advice anyone can suggest to you.



Any jarts grads have any tips or suggestions for someone wanting g to get into HVAC.

Extra courses to take or tickets to get.

[aky]

No matter what, do not take the pre-apprentice program. Its not enough to be excepted in this trade without alot of other training. I submitted my resume to all the union companies after completing it and never did get a interview. Very frustrating and a bit of a waste of money.

BEFORE you waste your money, goto the hvac companies and do a informational interview. Google that word. Best advice anyone can suggest to you.

Most r suggesting the pre app program. Have to start somewhere. Why do u suggest not to take it. What's the alternative