Air Conditioning Occupation

[Spark!Plug]

This fall Semester I'm going to be going to WGTC for my Air Conditioning Diploma and was wondering if there's some on here with experience with the prospective jobs/business? Every time I've bounced the idea off a friend or family member they say its a really great idea, but i can tell they don't have a real grasp on it. any insight or opinions are greatly appreciated.

[jester911]

I assume you are talking about being a hvac tech. You really should not have any problem getting a job. Your main choices are working for a residential service company, a commercial mechanical contractor or possibly working in house maintenance for any number of companies that maintain their own buildings.
There are pros/cons for all of these but the first thing you need to do is get experience before you can really write your own career path. BTW I am not in HVAC. I am a carpenter by trade and have about 30 years experience working in mostly commercial construction. I have had the good fortune to work with many top notch companies/people in HVAC and still do.

What specifically do you want to know?

[Dynra Rockets]

I work in the field. Comissioning industrial and commercial (supermarkets) is where the stability and money is. Get to know refrigeration controllers (E2, Novar, Danfoss).

[FooSchnickens]

I second Randy. A buddy of mine is an HVAC tech and he was making ok money until he started boning up on refrigeration systems and then really took off.

[Spark!Plug]

Thanks for the input guys, yea im talking about an HVAC career. WGTC call it just "air conditioning." I'm Hoping with getting the diploma instead of just certificates I'll have the opportunity to learn more specific information.

"refrigeration fundamentals, refrigeration principles and practices, refrigeration systems components, HVACR electrical fundamentals, HVCAR electrical Motors, HVACR electric components and controls, Air Conditioning systems application and installation, gas heat, heat pumps and related systems, troubleshooting air conditioning systems"

those are the classes i'm going to take for my diploma. they have an associate degree, but i think the diploma is only half as long. you guys think this would get me started rather well?

[Dynra Rockets]

Become a member of this forum

http://hvac-talk.com

[NA6R]

Do the degree!

[Spark!Plug]

thanks dynra, theres plenty of reading in that asset that may make my time learning a bit easier.

Na6, The way im approaching this, is it would be a waste of my time to get my certificates as i wouldnt be able to use them.. Thats why im going for the diploma. I need to start this profession as soon as possible to make life easier on me. Im pretty sure after i get an adequate job, i could continue my learning as i work and achieve the degree. i'll definately consider this more due to advice. thanks guys :D

[Echonova]

Although I work in the petroleum field... The similarities are the same. LOL


Get as many certifications (while staying on the diploma track) as you can. Might not help you now, but the more the better for your career long term.