Hi I am 40 and looking to switching careers and retrain, I was looking at the Hvac course offered by Algonquin and wondering if anyone had any opinions on it. If i took this course what are the chances of being hired in this field? its only a 42 week course and it looks like its the type of course covered by EI as its under 1 year so is the market saturated with people that have taken this course?
Quote from: Ed801 on May 06, 2021, 11:33:37 AM
is the market saturated with people that have taken this course?
Unfortunately, Maybe only two or three people from your class that finish will actually still be in the field a few months after graduation. Seems like most people just take it because it's covered by EI or the sales rep at the college pushes them to signup and they decide later on it's not for them.
thank you for your response, I really appreciate it. I wouldn't mind working in the field but I really don't want to dish out the money to not get a job.. is there something more I should look at or is apprentice the only way to go with Hvac.. is the course hard? and would people hire you after taking it?
Quote from: Ed801 on May 06, 2021, 06:50:45 PM
thank you for your response, I really appreciate it. I wouldn't mind working in the field but I really don't want to dish out the money to not get a job.. is there something more I should look at or is apprentice the only way to go with Hvac.. is the course hard? and would people hire you after taking it?
I worked illegally for too long to say whether or not the course is hard. I was already experienced enough that when I took the course, I just skipped over things I already knew and only focused on things I was weaker on. But I would say it's not all that difficult. Many employers like hiring people who have experience. It's always a risk on whether or not someone is capable when they hire a person with no experience. It can be hard getting your foot in the door.
Hey! I'm currently enrolled in that program. Currently in my second semester. I went in with no experience, and I'm doing extremely well academically. I have learnt a LOT.
I will say, you really have to enjoy it to do well. You get the opportunity to write your G3 and OBT3 at the beginning of your third semester, and you can write your G2 and OBT2 right after graduating.
You can definitely see which students actually want to do this as a career, and those who don't. I wouldn't call it hard, but it's not easy either. You do have to work for it to do well.
QuoteIt's always a risk on whether or not someone is capable when they hire a person with no experience. It can be hard getting your foot in the door.
Quote from: Admin on May 20, 2021, 01:10:52 PM
And if you're in Ottawa, message me for a job one day :)
Let me clarify, it can be hard getting your foot in the door when you're not a girl... We have two at our company and it's almost amusing how many other companies try and poach them away.
Quote from: furnacegirl on May 20, 2021, 01:02:18 PM
Hey! I'm currently enrolled in that program. Currently in my second semester. I went in with no experience, and I'm doing extremely well academically. I have learnt a LOT.
I will say, you really have to enjoy it to do well. You get the opportunity to write your G3 and OBT3 at the beginning of your third semester, and you can write your G2 and OBT2 right after graduating.
You can definitely see which students actually want to do this as a career, and those who don't. I wouldn't call it hard, but it's not easy either. You do have to work for it to do well.
thanks for replying its good to hear that the course isnt extremely challenging
In general, these courses are not extremely challenging, but at the same time your true education will begin when you start the job. I found companies understanding of this and willing to train. It's pretty easily seen who has the right mindset and who does not. While education and training is a matter of time invested.
Hello! Update, I'm in my last semester now and I've already accepted a job offer! Do well, try your best and future employers will see that. Good luck to you! :D
Quote from: furnacegirl on October 02, 2021, 03:32:04 PM
Hello! Update, I'm in my last semester now and I've already accepted a job offer! Do well, try your best and future employers will see that. Good luck to you! :D
Good for you. Are you looking into the service side, or installs?