Going HVAC at 55 years old

[ga-hvac-tech]

At 55 you are to OLD to get into this trade. Sorry just being honest. This is a young mans trade. Yes there are a few that can do it into there 50`s and 60`s, but not many. At 51, i am usually the oldest guy in the parts houses when i walk in. Use your mind not your back. Go to school for something in the medical field. Lab tech or what every else.

But if you must get into this trade, then look for an hvac job at a school district, hospital, airport, state or city job. A job like that is more geared toward the maintenance side and less demanding on your body. Pay will be less, but my have good benefits.

Good luck and never stop asking questions.

Mark
51 and still trying to kick A$$

This is good advice!

[butternut]

Hey!... like Maine?. I am headed to Bangor to start another shop on my way out. I could use an x-tra hand

[allenrobinson2269]

I have four months before school starts. Would love to go to Maine and give you a hand.

[martinxxxxxx]

I can't really see that there is a magic number for entering any trade, it all depends on the individual, but I think coming from an allied trade such as plumbing or electrics is doable - but from a completely non tech backround. I really think you will struggle to break into of the technical trades, The theory backs up the practice- if you have plumbing behind you then you will have to learn a lot of theory but probably have good piping skills already, if like me you are coming from an electrical backround then the theory is going to be at the same level as the electrical theory you already use and most of the craftwork will be second nature, but you will need to learn how to run neat piping and brazing etc. But if you no skill set it;s not a hill it's a mountain.

[allenrobinson2269]

I have good skills. Welding plumbing electrical building ect. I just have no certs or formal training. I need schooling to get certs. That's all. I am autodidactic so I pick things up more quickly than most people. Also I sm able to perform a task longer and at greater intensity than most people. If the average HVAC tech can work say 10-12 hours a day I am able to complete 14-16 hours per day and still prepare for the next day. I only sleep about four hours per day and at odd intervals. I am able to do things like work a night shift, sleep a couple of hours and do another 8-10 hours. Also I have retired and make a deprecate income from my former employer.

[pcp]

Wow Mr. Wonderful!

[allenrobinson2269]

Thanks for the sarcastic compliment. However this comment was completely unhelpful concerning the learning of the HVAC field and running an HVAC business. What I am trying to do is provide honest information so that those of you with experience in HVAC and or business can provide answers that may help men in my business.
The idea that I am going to wait until I am seventy is both impractical and unrealistic. Is it just that this is an over hyped field and there is no money to be made here. If that is the case I’m not sure why anyone is on this site in the first place.
So here is what I need:
If you are running an HVAC business what mistakes have you made that others should avoid to maintain a competitive edge?
If there is someone who is known for being a good employer in the NYC area who and what sort of employees are they looking for?
Let’s assume by default that I am able to become skilled exceptionally quick.
I am going to apply the five year plan with the plan being to begin a company in five years 2018.
Here is my breakdown.
One year of school
One year of residential design, installation, maintenance, and repair
Two years industrial/large commercial buildings
One year industrial in maritime and offshore applications
Upon this experience start and expand a business leading to the employment and training of others.
Call it the HVAC circle of life.

[allenrobinson2269]

Hey!... like Maine?. I am headed to Bangor to start another shop on my way out. I could use an x-tra hand

Are you still looking for hands?

[secorp]

If there is someone who is known for being a good employer in the NYC area who and what sort of employees are they looking for?

You have to join the union to work in that state. NYC more so.

[allenrobinson2269]

No actually we have a huge nonunion labor force in New Jersey. This force is made up of nonunion citizens and illegal workers. The local here for HVAC is the steam fitters union NA 475. I would love to join the union for the experience offered by the apprentice program, and the journeyman training opportunities. I would still have the objective of having my own business and hire union labor. This is my ultimate goal.

[neophytes serendipity]

At 55 you are to OLD to get into this trade. Sorry just being honest. This is a young mans trade. Yes there are a few that can do it into there 50`s and 60`s, but not many. At 51, i am usually the oldest guy in the parts houses when i walk in. Use your mind not your back. Go to school for something in the medical field. Lab tech or what every else.

But if you must get into this trade, then look for an hvac job at a school district, hospital, airport, state or city job. A job like that is more geared toward the maintenance side and less demanding on your body. Pay will be less, but my have good benefits.

+1 on the "too old" part.

The union sheet metal HVAC companies in my part of the Chicago area simply won't hire you.

There are no "older worker" quotas in the contract. Age discrimination can't be easily proven.

Whether or not you know your stuff is immaterial for most.

You are probably SOL for finding a job at most non-union HVAC employers also.

Maintenance HVAC jobs seem to pay quite poorly. Lots of ads for <$20 an hour, part time no benefit work. Many ads are seeking "helpers", so that is even less money.

[allenrobinson2269]

Glad I don't live there. I always hated having to go to Chicago. You know that is Indian for "a smelly place"?

[hurtinhvac]

Glad I don't live there. I always hated having to go to Chicago. You know that is Indian for "a smelly place"?

That was way back when the indians came upon rotten wild onions by the river. Long before the fire, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile and Millenium Park.

Chic-a-goo is an awesome city - and this is coming form Cardinal Nation.