Reply to Thread

Originally Posted by HVAC_AL

I do have a hunger, that’s why I drop what ever I am doing and come running anytime anyone calls me for anything hvac related. And after the grunt work is over if there is anything else he’s doing guess were I am, right by his side getting paid nothing because id rather be anywhere but home on sitting on my but. I am not frustrated with getting grunt work or low wage I am frustrated with not being able to work in my triad as much as id like. As far as learning goes I haven’t had a single day were I didn’t learn a ton just doing grunt or install work. There is just too much school can’t teach you.

I understand that it is frustrating, but you keep doing what you are doing and you'll have your own truck soon enough. and about school, you hit the nail on the head with that one.

School is a great place for learning about new stuff. On the job is when you actually remember important information and apply it on a regular basis.

I always did great in every HVAC/R course that I ever took, but most of that info left my memory banks within weeks of course completion.

I do have a hunger, that’s why I drop what ever I am doing and come running anytime anyone calls me for anything hvac related. And after the grunt work is over if there is anything else he’s doing guess were I am, right by his side getting paid nothing because id rather be anywhere but home on sitting on my but. I am not frustrated with getting grunt work or low wage I am frustrated with not being able to work in my triad as much as id like. As far as learning goes I haven’t had a single day were I didn’t learn a ton just doing grunt or install work. There is just too much school can’t teach you.

Originally Posted by HVAC_AL

I offered to work for a local contractor for minimum wage( $7.25 an hour) with no benefits as a helper and still couldn’t get hired. I only get called when he needs me for install and grunt work. I don’t think I can get much lower or humbler than that!

Install or grunt work?? You need to take every opportunity that you can to learn this "grunt work". I did service for years until I harped enough about it and was able to learn some SMF and install. Knowing how to install duct work correctly and create the sheet metal components necessary to complete the install is worth big money. The guys that get paid the most know how to do it all. Service, install, SMF and maybe even a little sales. You need to have a hunger for all aspects of the trade. Troubleshooting and repair are only part of the HVAC/R lifestyle.

I offered to work for a local contractor for minimum wage( $7.25 an hour) with no benefits as a helper and still couldn’t get hired. I only get called when he needs me for install and grunt work. I don’t think I can get much lower or humbler than that!

Just a suggestion did you try Sears Service? I worked there off and on for about 8 years and they are everywhere. I know they do hire entry level people. They are good about training also. Good Luck! The Place I work at now has an apprenticeship program for sheet metal and for commercial hvac service tech. But nobody is hiring right now.

DavyB has it right. You young guys just try to get your foot in the door as a shop guy and if your lucky maybe you can get some schooling payed for by the owner,I'm not so sure I believe that being certified on refrigerants is all that important either to get a job especially as easy as those are to come by.It seems everyone I talk to at job sites has there certification and I wouldn't let them touch my equipment.

Twilli has his own apprentice training facility in Toledo.

have u talked to you employer about schooling? Mine payed for half after he recognized what skills i have and what path would be best for me service vs. install. yours may have one they recommend..or are a member of a committee at.

Originally Posted by BEN PETERS

Can i please get some advise on schools. I've been in installation for about 3 years now and of course would like to learn more and improve my options. I want to go to school, but dont know whats worth it or a waste of time. Should I get certified or would a diploma actually be better? does it really make a differance between a tech school or something else. I want the education but, but some employers dont really care about the piece of paper from some school they have never heard of.

I enjoy this field and want to make the most of it. Please some advise?

The main document you will need is your EPA cert..

Originally Posted by BEN PETERS

Can i please get some advise on schools. I've been in installation for about 3 years now and of course would like to learn more and improve my options. I want to go to school, but don't know whats worth it or a waste of time. Should I get certified or would a diploma actually be better? does it really make a difference between a tech school or something else. I want the education but, but some employers don't really care about the piece of paper from some school they have never heard of.

I enjoy this field and want to make the most of it. Please some advise?

Where do you live? There are a lot of training programs out there. I was in school for five years and it was worth it. Consider going into an apprenticeship. You get paid to learn.

Can i please get some advise on schools. I've been in installation for about 3 years now and of course would like to learn more and improve my options. I want to go to school, but dont know whats worth it or a waste of time. Should I get certified or would a diploma actually be better? does it really make a differance between a tech school or something else. I want the education but, but some employers dont really care about the piece of paper from some school they have never heard of.

I enjoy this field and want to make the most of it. Please some advise?

Originally Posted by samejj

a journey of 1000 miles begins with 1 step

Very profound.

a journey of 1000 miles begins with 1 step

Why don't all of you guys stop thinking about living the high-life as the CEO and humble yourself for a bit. Apply at all of the local shops for a "shop guy" position. Many places have a hard time keeping a good shop guy. Then in your interview you can explain your education and ambition of becoming a service tech/ installer/ whatever. You will probably make the same wage as a shop guy as a new service tech anyways, plus you can familiarize yourself with all of the equipment/ ductwork/ etc...

Starting out at the bottom is the best way to learn everything you will need to become the owner someday.

i found a company that is going to give me a chance after i graduate.they have a "job shadow" deal that lets you follow along with a sr. tech for 2 weeks to see if any of the schooling paid off. after the 2 weeks you either get the job or start looking elsewhere,might be somthing worth asking about if your having trouble getting in with your local companies also you need to be willing to start at the bottom even with a degree especially now a days

Same problem here! I went to school 2 years and have an hvac certification and a associate in occupational studies plus 6 years in the navy fixing electronics. I can't even get an interview.

Originally Posted by caddy8581

I am in school right now to here in seattle, and all the jobs want at lwast 2 yrs ex. How do we get experience if no wants to hire us. Not even being a Navy Vet is helping me.

Be persistent and keep a positive attitude. Timing is key.

I am in school right now to here in seattle, and all the jobs want at lwast 2 yrs ex. How do we get experience if no wants to hire us. Not even being a Navy Vet is helping me.

If I had a dollar for every time an apprentice has said that they are going to start their own company... =/

Originally Posted by fcs

Yes it gives you far more Job opportunities you can get then get your PE as well.

2nd that. A guy that really worked in the field and has a degree and is of reasonable intelligence could do very, very well. I get so tired of arguing with degreed/approved engineers on hvac systems. I don't know it all and I have plenty to learn, but with my experience many times I might as well talk to the wall. Believe me in the after meetings I want to say "I TOLD YOU SO!" The degree/stamp carries a lot of weight, in which it should, but why does it add so much arrogance? Venting here a bit, as recently got out of a meeting with 4 engineers arguing with me on a discharge air temp sensor, so of course I am over-ruled. Who am I, oh only the controls guy that has been dealing with this kind of stuff for over 12 years, but no the engineers get their way so after 2 plus days of 4 guys tweaking finally to one engineers credit he admits they should've done it my way in the first place. Probably $4K in man hrs alone wasted, oh and that's just a small mistake!