Understand refrigeration theory, and all equipment.
Theres so much to know, and no one knows everything. I was sent last year to many training classes, 2 training classes were back to back (friday and saturday) 8hrs each, first day was economizers, 2nd day was air flow. Thats 8hrs each of 2 things out of a 100s of things you need to know to be a service technician.
The construction workers that work at my work, fit pipe and do all the commercial installations but let me tell you, they cant wire a thermostat.
Now theres things they do faster than me, and might know how to do that i dont(codes and such), but its something i can easily learn abd do if i needed to help out on a construction job, where as they cant do half of what i can.
So thats why service is in demand and dont get layed off.
And im not saying this is the best job in the world. But it pays decent. Some days i hate and some are nice probably like most jobs.
Bring your skills out west (i’m sitting in Red Deer, AB right now) and go work in the oil field when it picks up again… or go to Calgary or Edmonton pretty much anytime.
The market is down right now a bit but you’ll make twice the money and spend more time on the job.
Honestly bing, I’m really starting to think that is some wise words. Not just going to AB, but leaving Oshawa even. There’s dick all here and the unemployment is crazy.
I’d love to save money and enjoy time off but I have student loans so it turns into being stressful, and I’m getting to the age where I want to buy a house in the next 2-3 years but it doesn’t seem like that’ll ever happen at this rate and this market.
I’ve applied to a few big companies today, Hydro one, and TTC to name a couple so we’ll see. It sucks because I really enjoy what I do and I love learning it, but no one wants to spend the money when they’re slow to keep a guy going.
The text editing IT thing would def be an asset to fall back on no doubt. I’m going to look into that right now.
Again I appreciate all the help and ideas, I only know people doing trades. I don’t know many people outside of trades making a living for themselves.
If you were in the states, I’d say try your hand at welding. Supposedly there is at least a 300k shortage of welders in the USA and growing as the older generation retires. I think you will see that more and more with all trades moving forward. Kind of like in Germany. Years of pushing useless Bachelors degrees etc, in Social Sciences etc. and painting the trades as a poor mans job kind of help that as well.
I have been considering this for a couple years now. The welders I know could work 24/7/365 if they were legally allowed. There is no shortage of work around here for someone with a good work ethic.
This. We’re finding a shortage of help in the trades already. Most of the younger guys that come in want to work a 4 hour day for 60 hour pay. No work ethic at all. I predict the trades are going to become high paying jobs sooner than later.
Yes. I worked in a collision shop for 4 years, started Full Sail Uni for 3D animation, worked in construction (mostly roofing) , then started ITT for Digital Media while working construction, finally ended up in a Radiologic Technology and switched to Massage Therapy. Somewhere along the line I learned the plumbing trade. I’m not trying to make it seem that I’m anything special, but at this point in my life I am able to take many different career paths, and if something doesn’t work out, I can do something else. The whole Kama Sutra philosophy to life
That’s what will do it. Learn many skills, keep your options open, and most of all, be persistent and reliable. In todays world, showing up on time and smiling already sets you apart from many others.
The whole move to Alberta is looking really good but it’s such an adjustment. Girlfriend would be pissed. But you gotta do what you gotta do.
I don’t really want to change careers but it may have to happen. It seems to me with “builder trades” everyone bounces around in this area and gets laid off regularly for the first 3-5 years. I’m attempting to get into the union bc then at least I know I’ll have a small paycheck.
I was told HVAC was an aging trade and all the guys would be retiring when I went to school, but most guys are my age to 30’s for the most part. I would really like to see these guys retire. I’m not super concerned with money, I don’t have a mortgage or anything so I don’t mind making maybe not the greatest money. I’ve done alright with money so far and always felt like I made a fair wage. I have no idea how guys raise a family and have kids on $20/hr though… and that is why I’m starting to loo ahead a bit. I see a pattern with the age and pay rate of guys. The worst part is they’re happy with making $20/hr and working 75hrs a week without OT pay. I do not want to get stuck being that guy.
I’m sure theirs guys in this trade doing really well but I havent met many yet…
ITT is great because there is more hands on training than most other school but if your were in IT, anywhere you go you will be learning things that are already more or less out of date. The school is also quite expensive.
While money may not be too much of a concern, I would consider the long view and make sure whatever you do, there is good advancement opportunity. TBH I don’t see why HVAC can’t be that for you. Do you love doing it? I’m not sure about Canada, but I think those around in WNY area would have no problem having a stable job in that career. Depending on your motivation, maybe your own business is the way to go? I’d say start small and do small jobs on the side
You’ve got to move Or use your off time to start getting your own business off the ground. Time is a blessing and in your work, there is no greater goal than owning your own business… If you like your work. I watched a friend start up his own business in your field in his downtime. He absolutely killed it with cash jobs.
Go to under water welding school. One of my customer did that a few years a go at your age. Now he is making over 6 figures and travels constantly. He loves it.
Well, sounds like I got into the union for a refrigeration apprenticeship. I find out for sure tomorrow if they’re interested but it looks promising. i spoke with the union hall and they told me intake for the union is november 1st, however if I took initiative and called companies it would force me into the union early if a company was interested. So I did just that. So far I’ve had 2 companies call. Not much but it’s a start. Both are calling me tomorrow to set up interviews.
Under water welding has always peaked my interest but is it not INCREDIBLY dangerous and really hard on your body? I thught most guys did it for like 3-5 years max and then they’re beat.
Good luck with your interviews. Im non union, but always thought i would go union eventually for the pay, benefits and pension. But i feel like id rather open my own company first and if i fail i can go back to working for a company.
