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I have always said that the best case scenario is to have a student working during the day as a helper/apprentice, and taking night classes in hVAC/R. This combination gives them the real world application at the same time as the theory. It is hard for someone who has never done this kind of work to pick it up from school alone, and a whole lot of those who never have the school become function trained techs who know how to get something going 99% of the time without ever knowing what was really wrong or why what they did fixed it.

You might take a road trip to San Antonio and fill out some applications. Tech skool grads around here are....lets say...rough around the edges.

Give me someone who wants to work and has a good attitude, and I can work them even if they prove not to have very much aptitude for hvac/r. But give me someone with a lot of mechanical aptitude and a bad attitude, and they won't be around long. As far as getting hired, anywhere in the country there is a great shortage of people in the technical trades. Yes, all of us would like to have seasoned techs with great attitudes show up and want to go to work, but in reality, there just not there. If they are seasoned and worth anything, they already have good jobs. So we are left with new guys who want to become seasoned. That is ok too, cause we can take you and mold you into the hand we need you to be. I think you can pretty much go anyhwere in the country and go to work if you put your best foot forward.

Originally Posted by 2sac

John, Attitude may get you a job, but talent keeps your job. The combination is "Golden" (Thanks Rod Blagojevich)
Being one of the few techs on this site that agrees with much of what you say, I have a hard time believing you believe that attitude is everything. Attitude doesnt keep customers long term. It doesn't hurt, but when it comes down to it, from a customers standpoint, it's about money and workmanship. Ideally it's about people willing to pay for quality work the first time.

You know how I cherish technical skills....

That being said, I can take a guy with a good attitude, and teach him the trade. I enjoy teaching.....as opposed to hiring an experienced guy with a surly attitude, who thinks he already knows everything he needs to. I've had my share of those.

I'm 52, and learning every day. I don't know how old you are, but I'll bet you're still learning too.

The good guys always are.

Besides Hvac Wiz, what Bossman didn't mention was that I had been involved in an accident before I showed up at his shop and still got there early. Now back on topic. Keep looking. Something will come up. It did for me. And I'm glad it did.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to hang tight where you are and try getting a job in both places. If you have consistent internet access (like at home), spend some time shooting out your resume and write a well written cover letter to introduce yourself,your goals, and what you can offer the company. It's almost like a brief interview where you can plan and say what YOU want to say (if they read it). Be concise, don't waste too much of their time. I would probably try to schedule interviews in one city the first half of the week and schedule the interviews in the other city the second half. Perhaps you can stay with family or friends while out of town. Also, I try to call potential employers between 8am and 9am and never on a Monday. Get them after they've settled in, techs are on the road, and the manager has had a cup of coffee. It usually works for me.

sorry. double post

nope. no need to.

did you leave your personal phone at the office? lol

Being the guy John Markl hired I feel a little insulted. But I'm willing to let it slide. It's been a long day.

John, Attitude may get you a job, but talent keeps your job. The combination is "Golden" (Thanks Rod Blagojevich)
Being one of the few techs on this site that agrees with much of what you say, I have a hard time believing you believe that attitude is everything. Attitude doesnt keep customers long term. It doesn't hurt, but when it comes down to it, from a customers standpoint, it's about money and workmanship. Ideally it's about people willing to pay for quality work the first time.

It's all about your attitude.

It's springtime in Texas. Companies are hiring all over for the anticipated hot summer to come.

I hired a greenhorn today. Fresh out of tech school. Showed up early for his interview, had his tools, and had a great attitude.

Was more than willing to start low, and prove himself. In fact, he stated that he wanted to prove to HIMSELF that he could do this.

I went to a business class a few weeks ago. One of our exercises was to list on the board, 12 desirable traits in a new hire. Once compiled by the class, it was discovered that only two of the 12 were technical skill related, while TEN were attitude related.

Some companies want to hire experienced veterans, while others prefer to grow their own.

It's GREAT to have school and training. But what's really going to matter, is the attitude that you bring to your application visit/interview.

Lots of tech school grads out there....Give them a reason to pick YOU....

Originally Posted by ABM

Mr npayton
I am having the same problem i live in the state of New York on may of this year i will graduating from college with a degree in HVAC, my goal is to move to Florida State and get a pemanent job there. But i am running in to many problem.

Go to central or south florida. You can probably get a job in two days.

you may just have to suck it up and stay around were you are till you get some experience. With the way the economy is companies want to maximize there money so having a newbie wont have as much value as a seasoned pro. Most places im looking at now wont hire anyone with less than 3yrs experience because they need them to hit the ground running.

Mr npayton
I am having the same problem i live in the state of New York on may of this year i will graduating from college with a degree in HVAC, my goal is to move to Florida State and get a pemanent job there. But i am running in to many problem.

Originally Posted by rednecktech

Sign with the local and get into commercial and you will be set !

How many UA signatory companies are in the Dallas area? There's a whopping 3 in El Paso.

Sign with the local and get into commercial and you will be set !

Hvac job area

K heres the deal. I am 19 and will graduate from tech school in Beaumont Texas with a associates degree in hvac in about a year. I am originally from stephenville Texas which is about 2 hrs sw of fort worth. I would like to move back when I graduate but I have heard that employers are looking for ac veterans. My question is if I move back would it be easy to find a job there. My professor says he could place me in Beaumont but I do not want to live there any more than I have to. So is it easy to find a job anywhere in Texas if my professor says he has people calling 24/7 to hire graduates?