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Quit smoking and lose weight. You'll thank yourself later.

Get ur eating under control and you'll drop 30lbs this summer doing this type of work. You'll feel better too

I say tackle the...

I've been signed up on there for a couple months and haven't heard anything.

Of course, I haven't applied to any jobs on there.

start with school and try like hell to get a job while you're going.

I started school in 06 and was diligently looking for a job and didn't get one til 08

No dude, call the department of labor. They probably mean a mechanical contractors license.

Cool story. Would read again.

I didn't know a single person and got in. Straight through the hall.

I have an AAS from Mott too. I think it helped me get into the union considering I knew nobody.

If you're not finding a job right now, it's not because you're degree doesn't matter. It just...

If you make 9, then I expect that the senior techs make about 20 where you work.

Depending on your area that sounds about right for non-union residential

You're basically a PRE apprentice.
...

There are only 3 first years at my local this year.

2 were pre apprentices and 1 is a contractor's-daughter's-boyfriend.

3 months ago they only had the boyfriend and they were still going to...

My guess would be close to $40 on the check for building trades wages.

This pretty much means nothing since the cost of living is probably 30% higher than average.

Associates in HVAC. And I do figure things out and when I have questions, I ask. Besides, who said I can't do electrical and the other things I mentioned. You don't know what experience I have in...

LOL I had dudes like medevera211 at my school... those guys even knew more than the teachers!

mdevera, I almost feel like quizzing you on some stuff since you seem to know it all.

I have an...

How do you get a license to do HVAC without having an employer sign off on your experience???:confused:

The job market is full of experienced guys that are willing to work for $10-12 per hour. Sad

I decided to not even apply at a company that would hire a guy with experience at that price. I have...

Awesome story! Hope things work out for you. I too am at a better company!

You said if you were unemployed that you'd practically work for free. That's slavery and the reason there are laws against it.

There IS a wage scale from entry level to journeyman level. Just...

Maybe people just don't like you. I mean... if you speak to people the way you type;)

Seriously though, you have a very communist way of looking at employment IMO

I was in the same boat a year ago. Had an Assoc. degree, universal epa and all that. Had multiple interviews. And yes, it does seem that most people that you interview with are weasels when it...

Obviously you chose union so let them know that. Tell them, "the union is my first choice for this field".

Also, they may ask you what type of work are you willing to do... the obvious answer is...

My first job in the field was doing commercial service. In the interview my boss said, "we'll do a driving record check but just so you know, if you have a bad driving record then that'll be a show...

Poor diving record huh?

I would say try hvac companies that operate a sheet metal shop.

I'm a 2nd yr sheet metal apprentice and just got placed at a company like that and I love it!

As of...

Look into the sheet metal hall too.

Flint/Detroit Areas of Michigan. The union wage scales are $30+/hr. The cost of living is super low.

The auto industry drove wages up when they were strong.

Problem is... There are no jobs!

Drive past the supply house with the donuts and take them to the union hall. Ask when they're testing for apprenticeships.

Thanks guys!!!

Flint, MI (about an hour north of detroit)... I know... SHOCKING!

Months of being laid off and I start at a new shop tomorrow!!!

Don't know what I'll be doing... don't care! BA called me and said be there.

Thanks to all the stimulus money going to schools...

Let them know that you're willing to do and learn anything as far as the pipe trades go - still let them know you're really interested in HVAC.

Also, let them know that union is your first and...

Did you apply online?

I talked to a refrigeration mechanic here for Kroger. His job title was "maintenance engineer". He said they do PM, service, install on MOST of their HVAC and Refrigeration...

Keep in mind that almost all commercial companies around here are union and only hire through the hall... and the list is pretty full.

I don't understand what you're saying. You said "we're getting laid off" then you say you're working 40 hours not "the 36".

What does that MEAN?

...cause I'm laid off and I work zero hours.

I'm sorry let me clarify. I rarely cut sheet metal or hang duct too. I am an hvac service apprentice for the SMWIA. I do startup, warranty, and service on custom commerical/industrial air systems....

Right now, I'm a sheet metal service apprentice. The company I work for is slow but now really "laying" me off... it's more like I'm furloughed. Basically just don't get scheduled for more than 25...

You're not required to report back to the hall?

I'd take job #1. It sounds like a job that you would prefer long term if the union doesn't call.

I don't know my employers finances. All I know is they say they've lost money.

I'm a service apprentice for a large air house manufacturer. I've been super loyal and have decided to stick with...

I'm a sheet metal apprentice. The hall sent me to this company. I go to apprenticeship classes and I also have an Associates degree in HVAC. I'm trying to work my way up the ladder, just like...

Give me a break. I don't convey any other attitude to my employer besides being gung-ho.

When your boss says, "I don't have any work right now, we're doing bad".

Does that make you feel sorry for the company? When you're sitting at home and your employer can still pay their bills...

Oh, I miss understood then.

My local maintains a seperate apprentice list

Being a specific number doesn't mean anything really. A new group of people may have tested and skewed the whole list.

And being number 80 or 75... you're kidding yourself if you think you...

I expected to start at about 10-12 after getting my associates.

I got a sheet metal apprenticeship and started at about 14

I interviewed for jobs that were starting at 8/hr. There was no way I...

Before I know I'll get my second 6 month raise and be up to about $17/hr... now if I can only get some friggin hours!

I've taken the liberty to check the UA Local 9 site for you. You've already missed the deadline for HVAC/R commercial apprentice applications.

I wouldn't expect to get a job just because I have good grades and a degree

All it shows employers is that you're eager to excel in this career

Dang... here electricians make about $35/hr. Sheet metal jmen make a little over $30/hr

Electricians make more money

Only worked like 90 hours in oct. 110 in nov. and a 30 something this month.

Sucks but it is what it is.

Starting to work now that the Big 3 is spending money.

Yeah school will be a great plus.

The Business Agent at my local went through the same 2 year HVAC college program as me. I know for a fact that this alone put me toward the top of the list.

I...

I chose SMW and am very happy I got in.

For me it was a no-brainer. I have a family.

I could've worked non-union residential starting out at like $8-10/hr. but my family means more to me than...

Where do you live?

Here in Michigan your chances would be pretty close to ZERO.