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you need to be a good mechanic to start with to do this

good at math and science

electrical background would help

those are good fundamentals to start

then you need 40 years experience to get really good at it
if you live that long

A good auto Tech can make very good money.

What happened?

Originally Posted by silverbrick240

Hey Im new here. I'm 23 and have some questions about the hvac field. I was in automotive for a bit but discovered that you cant make a good career in it. What the hvac career outlook? What are some of the pros cons dangers ect? Any info would be great!

One of the pros of a career in HVAC is that these are jobs that can't be outsourced. If you are lucky enough to be able to find a job in this field, you might be able to have a career that can last you a lifetime.

One of the biggest dangers (other than the risk of electrocution) is that you may invest time and money going to school just to find out that all the jobs that the school has promised are not there.

I don't know the area that you are from so it is hard for me to say. The area that I live has 5 different schools that teach HVAC so the area is saturated with "entry level technicians" that are begging to get a job. This makes it very difficult to find an entry level job unless you know someone. Also with all the people that are loosing jobs and qualify for trade assistance benefits, enrollment in trade schools is at an all time high which just compounds the problem.

There is a ton of information pertaining to this on this website. My advice would be to read as much of this as you can and maybe talk to employers in your area to see what they are looking for. If you could get hired through a union (almost impossible without knowing someone) that would be your best bet as they would pay for all your training.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you check it out as best as you can so that you can make an informed decision. There have been lots of stories of people that have wasted tons of money and 2 years of their life going to school and were unable to get a job in this field.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

HVACR rquires a larger commitment as it is a more demanding trade. There are many skills to learn and classes to attend......BEFORE you get an entry level job! Figure on ten years (hands-on) to know your 'stuff'. Continuing education is a must, as the trade continues to evolve. In time you will be buying lots of tools; many HVACR pro's are pack'n $30,000 worth of tools in there vans.

'The Trade' is somewhat recession proof. There is always a need for heating, cooling & refrigeration. If you like challenge, hard work, variety: then give it a shot !

Originally Posted by silverbrick240

I was in automotive for a bit but discovered that you cant make a good career in it.

KInd of vague, what exactly did you do in automotive?

If you like to fix stuff and take pride in what you've done you'll do well. You have to have a thick skin though, if you have a short temper or can't put with B.S. it will be a bumpy road.

if you don't mind working in blistering heat and freezing cold and busting your balz......................you got a chance



if you aren't don't waste anyones time and effort



and DON'T post things like this in multiple forums....................it shows lack of discipline

newbie with questions

Hey Im new here. I'm 23 and have some questions about the hvac field. I was in automotive for a bit but discovered that you cant make a good career in it. What the hvac career outlook? What are some of the pros cons dangers ect? Any info would be great!