Hello all,
My name is Wojtek and I have recently been browsing your forum as I am currently considering going into the HVAC program. My background is in sales / engineering (education) and I have recently been informed that my company is shutting us down and becoming a gas tech has come across my radar.
I've talked to different people (some in the trades, some not) and the general consensus is that there is no consensus! LoL So I wanted to ask here:
- do you think this is still a viable option?
- what are the reviews here for HiMark? Is this school worth the money? approximately $5k but you can get your g3/g2 in 6 months or so.
- I am considering doing the Humber evening courses to get my G3 as I am still employed until the end of the year
- what is anticipated income once a G2 is achieved? I have been checking job postings and it ranges from $12-24/hr depending on location and company
- some companies say pay is commission only as a tech...what does that mean? I've not seen anything specific from them
Basically my question is, is this still worth going into? Or is there such an influx in this trade that it's no longer profitable? I'm 34 and would like to work with my hands and do my own thing. Start a company once I get some experience and build on that.
Thank you for your time, I appreciate any and all responses.
The third post of this old thread might answer a few of your questions:
http://www.hvactechgroup.com/hvacforum/index.php?topic=1128.
If you're a G2 then it might be a little more pleasant, but from what my professors tell me there are many people that come and then go without a G2 since it's a tough exam
Also, first thing I learned in school is that you need an G driver's license to do this or any trade, which takes about 2 years to get assuming you have no driver's license at all. Maybe that's obvious for most people, but I'm just reminding you since your situation seems time-sensitive and a few of my classmates came into the program without one.
Hi Cheese,
Thanks for the response! I do have a G drivers' license so no concern there. I also have been keeping my eyes open for positions and the salaries vary greatly. The good thing is I can do the courses now in the evenings / Saturdays and start the G2 courses in January in the compressed course at HiMark. This would allow me to finish it all up just in time for the Spring / Summer season and at that point in time it becomes a matter of getting a job.
I'll start calling contractors in the area and visiting to see what the general consensus is on jobs and availability and then decide. The severance I'm expecting will cover living expenses and the courses for the first few months so it won't be too bad to start....it's a matter of doing it!
Also, can a G2 do basic jobs themselves? (ie: cleaning) or do they require supervision? When they mention supervision is it hand holding and being with them during the work, or access to a G1/Journeyman in case anything isn't clear?
When they mention direct supervision, they mean that the G1 cert holder is on site:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_010215_e.htm#BK0
You might want to read through the G2 certification once more, it does not stipulate that the G2 holder requires supervision unless they are doing something a G1 is supposed to be doing. Read 21. (2)
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_010215_e.htm#BK20
Legally you may not require supervision for most equipment, but if you get a G2 certificate in school without real work experience then most employers will want you to be supervised for the first few months of your career.
Thanks for that Cheese, I just printed the reg here and will be going through it tonight.
Truth is I'm still undecided. I've never worked in a trade, and am worried that I may like the 'idea' of it right now, but when it comes to it I may not be good at it at all! But now I'm looking at all the options in front of me as I do have time to make a decision.