no one told me.....

[DavyB]

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..

[yellowirenut]

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.

[HeyBob]

Twilli has his own apprentice training facility in Toledo.

[always looking]

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.

[Paul Bee]

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.

[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!

[DavyB]

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.

[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.

[DavyB]

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.