Question about becoming an apprentice?

[mtt7388]

you should look to get into the local 420. Im from your area and went to north montco tech school an then to penn college for 2 years. i hopped in the union about a year ago and got into one of the larger companies which gives me opportunity to prove myself all the time. half the time il work with mechanics on large boilers and chillers and the other half im on my own doing pm's or service calls.

[linuxexpert1989]

you should look to get into the local 420. Im from your area and went to north montco tech school an then to penn college for 2 years. i hopped in the union about a year ago and got into one of the larger companies which gives me opportunity to prove myself all the time. half the time il work with mechanics on large boilers and chillers and the other half im on my own doing pm's or service calls.

I went to North Montco for Industrial Automation and Robotics and the PYAP Program (however the company I worked for was hardly related). I went to Pennco tech for HVAC/R. Is it true that you have to know someone to get into local 420. I am very interested in commercial hvac as well as refrigeration.

[mtt7388]

It can help to know someone if they know the right person but you dont need to. Scoring good on the entrance test is most important.

[Trehak01]

I agree with 2sac, that is what i did. I found a factory auth. dealer, that way I get additional training on the equipment, and work towards NATE. I have been with them for almost two years now right out of school with a year of installations before hand. in the summer time I dont do as much ride alongs unless its needed ie two man jobs. in the winter when its slow and your looking to get your hours they will let you ride along with others if the work is available. I try to go with the commercial guys as much as possible and ask as many questions. best of luck to you.

[WMG]

At my job I am considered halfway between install and Service as a start up technician. We wire straight cool and heat pumps along with the fresh air ventilation controls and dampers, zoned damper boards, electronic air cleaners, etc. Then we check static pressures, pull a deep vacuum and open the king valves to release the charge into the system. Check superheat and subcool and make adjustments as necessary. Then when the occasional troubleshooting is necessary you either figure it out or call the service supervisor to assist. Not quite a service tech job but it is way better than straight retrofit or install. I would ask for a start up tech position first If I were you.

[linuxexpert1989]

At my job I am considered halfway between install and Service as a start up technician. We wire straight cool and heat pumps along with the fresh air ventilation controls and dampers, zoned damper boards, electronic air cleaners, etc. Then we check static pressures, pull a deep vacuum and open the king valves to release the charge into the system. Check superheat and subcool and make adjustments as necessary. Then when the occasional troubleshooting is necessary you either figure it out or call the service supervisor to assist. Not quite a service tech job but it is way better than straight retrofit or install. I would ask for a start up tech position first If I were you.

I rarely get to ride along being that we are a small company. Most of what I do is installs, since the time I got out of school I have been responsible for the AC end of all installs and system start-up is usually done same day or at the spring AC PM for contract customers. I really would like to get more training and service experience.

[linuxexpert1989]

The other major obstacle for me and I hope I don't get shunned for saying this here or risk not being able to find a job again. I am under serious stress but I worry I could lose my job even though I am extremely hard working. I worry I won't be able to advance in this field because of this issue. My biggest hurddle is that I am Trans* identified (not entirely open at work) working In and almost entirely male field. I feel it may make it harder for me to keep as well as advance at my current job. I also worry it may prevent me from obtaining employment at a different company in the future. I know it will get me a ball busting but I am curious if I should really be worried or if I am just blowing it out of proportion. Any advice or thoughts would be helpful.