Hi,
I'm new to the forum, planning to go into HVAC career and so I found this site to be the best for information in Canada, so I have a few questions.
About myself first:
-I am 36 yrs old and in pretty good shape. Live in Windsor, Ontario.
-Mould Designer for 7 ½ years, last job went bankrupt and was getting paid $16.10 /hr.
-went to college full time for 3 yrs and no one will hire me b/c no experience, you all know the story. A neighbour in the field helped me out and started at $9 /hr, I was consider lucky
-over the past 10 yrs, I tried to get out of this field. Had a job dealing with assembly line work for $19 /hr and enjoyed it. Worked with great people and great supervisors (some of them).
-Hated the mould industries: lack of loyalty, respect, no integrity. Moulds that I have designed were for the automotive comp. such as the mustang back lens, Lincoln, Cadillac. (GM and Ford auto.)
- where I started at, I found out one older guy was making $14 /hr doing only detail work, while I was designing injection moulds for $11 /hr. Brought it up at a raise review and they said b/c a person with a family has more expenses.
-at another mould shop, my engineering supervisor didn't know how to use or design on a computer.
Well, the is a brief description of the mould industries or the forum would be to long, but everyone I spoke in this like of work, wished they never got into it.
Now, I'm collecting unemployment, and looking into government funding for education for HVAC courses.
These are my questions:
-would it be difficult for me to change careers.
-Is this a good place to get training: http://www.greatlakestt.com/courses.php
- stories of people who went into the HVAC trade then quit. Why? ? Important
-starting wage? And there after.
-what to look for in a company?
-what questions I should ask the company?
-what kind of problems are associated with this line of work am I going to see or get?
http://www.reliancehomecomfort.com hiring with no experience, so there is a chance with no experience. See below.
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/dispjb_eng.aspx?OrderNum=4206979&Source=JobPosting&ProvId=06&Keyword=hvac&OfferpPage=50&Student=No
I would like to thank ahead for everyone that responds. I apologize for the long forum.
I live in the Ottawa area myself. I finished college in 1997 and it took me almost 6 months to get on with someone, at the time I had a G2 temporary. (It's different now.) This trade definitely has its slow and busy times. Back then I started out at around $9/hr. I worked mostly as an installer's helper, then I moved into light service, doing planned maintenances ect...
This trade requires competency. You will not succeed if you are untrained, unknowledgeable or inexperienced. I feel sorry for any employer who thinks they can pay a G2 $9/hr and run a successful business. It won't happen. Don't waste your time with employers who think like this. A G2 with no experience should make at least $13 - $15/hr.
A residential service technician with G2, ODP, and 313D certification can earn over $100,000 a year in wages and commission, if they are a selling technician. This trade can be very rewarding if you stick with it, and become good at your job. Learn the code, learn how to find defective heat exchangers. Most importantly, learn how to troubleshoot. Sadly the HVAC courses out there don't do much to prepare someone who is starting out in the trade. I would never go to school for this trade if I had to do it again. I would have just taken a crash course and challenged the exam. Most courses in Ontario, don't even integrate TSSA's Director's Orders into their curriculum. I see alot of people finish their schooling, and not be up to date on codes, simply because the people teaching the courses aren't up to date. I think that a HVAC college course is a waste of time and money. The diploma does nothing for you, all you need is a G2 or G3 certificate to start in this trade. I would look at taking a preparation course for writing the G3 exam, such as HiMark, and buy the exam we offer here and go write. Trust me, you will know just as much as someone who has completed a 2 year college course. The problem with college courses is you're being taught by people from the trade that can't teach, and have no real experience on the equipment you'll see when you get to work. You will learn more as a G3 working in the field than you will as a student in college.
My advice would be to visit the HVAC wholesalers in your area. There are usually bulletin boards filled with job offers. There are many employers who want that "green" employee with NO experience, and with a good attitude. I much rather train someone with a good attitude with no experience, then try to explain to someone with "experience" and a bad attitude, how to unlearn all the crap they think they know, and actually do the job properly.
Quotewhere I started at, I found out one older guy was making $14 /hr doing only detail work, while I was designing injection moulds for $11 /hr. Brought it up at a raise review and they said b/c a person with a family has more expenses.
I find that odd that someone who runs a business is a socialist. LOL Anyway, don't waste your time working for people who think like that. I would have tried to unionize his business if it were me. See if the owner really likes communism ;)
It looks like the Great Lakes Technical Training offers the crash course for the G3 certification. Check the forum here, someone was selling the modules you will need. Save money and buy them used. Keep in mind now a G3 certificate does not expire, and you can do anything a G2 can do under general supervision (by phone). You just can't activate a newly installed or converted appliance. Most employers aren't aware of this, so don't let them pay you less as a G3 if you are just as competent as a G2.
Reliance Home Comfort is really Union Energy in disguise, you may of heard of Reliance Protectron a security company. They are cash rich. They are trying to take market share from the big players like Sears and Direct Energy. You would always be busy, and you would get alot of experience.
Admin, so working for Reliance, Sears or Direct Energy is a good thing? And depending what union you work for it can be good thing or bad. I have worked for the company with a union and they didn't help us much, that's another story.
In the mould/tool & die industries, if you try to have a union, they will just shut the company down in a blink.
Tech X, I have read your forum before, very good points. You never know how the company runs until you work for them for several months (if they run like a dictatorship).
Quote from: TECH X on January 25, 2009, 05:40:53 PM
Keep in mind now a G3 certificate does not expire, and you can do anything a G2 can do under general supervision (by phone). You just can't activate a newly installed or converted appliance. Most employers aren't aware of this, so don't let them pay you less as a G3 if you are just as competent as a G2.
Are you saying only a G2 can activate a newly installed or converted appliance?
What modules do I need, matter of fact, what are modules(site that shows pic and explain would be fine)?
Would I find out from GTA (http://www.greatlakestt.com/courses.php)?
How much for a new module?
Thanks
As per Ontario Regulation 215/01 only a G1 or a G2 can activate a newly installed or converted gas appliance. Download the regulation - Here (http://hvactechgroup.com/files/regs/21501.doc)
First you'll want to ask the training provider if you can provide your own materials. They may have a set price that they won't adjust.
Click - Here (http://www.greatlakestt.com/g3tech.php) to see the Great Lakes Technical Training breakdown of their G3 course.
I sent you a private message with an email of someone who is selling the G3 modules 1-9, used. Click - Here (http://www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/GetCatalogItemDetails.asp?mat=2018493) to purchase the G3 modules new.
Click - Here (http://www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/GetCatalogItemDetails.asp?mat=2017859) to buy the B149 Code Book new.
You'll also have to buy the Dutton Fundamentals of Gas Utilization and TSSA exam.
Click - Here (http://www.himark.ca/) to see the Hi Mark webpage. They're another training provider in your area.
Instead of taking a full course, you can just take a pre exam course and go challenge the G3 exam. Once you have the G3 certification you can get a job and start gaining real experience. Expect to start out as an installer's helper at first. Learn the codes and basic operation of a furnace. When you're ready, the employer can sign off on a form that will allow you to pretty much do anything a G2 can. Download the G3 Signoff Package - Here (http://www.hvactechgroup.com/article.php/2012052808290190)
If you challenge and fail the exam 3 times, you'll be forced to complete the full course.
I've never worked for a union in this trade. I've always turned my wrench faster than the man next to me ;) To each their own.
In your case working for a bigger company will give you more job security.
Excellent info. before I buy anything and take G3 course, I have to inform my unemployment counselor and see what the government will cover. Hi Mark isn't close to where I live, thanks thou. With these info. it would be good impression, but that would be in about 2 wks b/c the counselors are very busy now, Windsor as the highest unemployment rate in all of Canada right now. But I can't wait, I might get it soon.
Oh ya, what are the hours?
Interesting Thread and posts .
I see alot of things work for some and they been lucky or fortunate due to other circumstances they dont understand or see.
I been fortunate only through experience and lucky opportunities of being able to work for some good companies.
I have had my fair share of the bad ones too, and that is how i learned, trial and error.
I disagree with saying all the courses are not good and cant or wont do anything for anyone or is a waste of time.
In my opinion , its how one applies themselves! no matter what test or course you take or information you read and digest.
I enjoyed learning about Canada's job prospects. and what it has to offer...
I always thought the cost of living was down over there or easy, and the dollar value was too?
Although, I dont know what the Job Market is like over there and what they have to offer.
Good luck to all you , in your endeavors whatever they may be concerning the Hvacr field.
I assume from what I have read a person has to have special license trade exam certs to be able to work or be hired in Canada.
Obama Liberal Democrat party, just helped the Canadian economy during these trying times... awesome.. something to appreciate.
I wonder what the field and job industry is like over there now? Is the country having hard times in the hvacr field? anyone have an thoughts on this?
QuoteObama Liberal Democrat party, just helped the Canadian economy during these trying times... awesome.. something to appreciate.
I wonder what the field and job industry is like over there now? Is the country having hard times in the hvacr field? anyone have an thoughts on this?
Historically democrats have been protectionists. Without US business we would be hurting here in Canada. I just hope Obama does what he says when it comes to free trade between our two countries. If the BUY USA legislation gets passed, we're all hurting. From recession to depression we go.
Obama was in our city yesterday, I PVR'd the visit and watched it when I got home. I like the guy and I hope things work out.
Around here, you either pay or freeze. So we're kinda recession proof, although I notice more people opting to repair versus replace their equipment.
The only piece I would add to this is that as you are working, buy tools!!!! Good tools!!!! It is easier to work with good tools than low quality jobmate shit. Once you have your basic hand tools and drills.... Don't lend them. People dont care about your stuff. Lastly, keep buying tools to make yourself self-suffient. Don't buy everything at once, but over-time, accululate the tools you will need so you can think for yourself. B tank, Vacuum pump etc... Your employer will pay you more for having your OWN tools. Save him from buying them and replacing them on a regular basis. With 10 years experince and your own tools you can go on your own.
is anyone else slow in the trade right now??????? im just wondering if the economy has affected anyone???? i havent worked a full week in 3 months????? mississauga area?????????/
I'm in the Ottawa area and I always find the end of February a good time to take a vacation. I have noticed more clients opting to repair versus replace their equipment though.
Charlie_101
How long have you been in the trade? And if not working for a full week, how much hours are you working in a week?
Just asking b/c I'm thinking of starting out in this trade and worried about finding work. Here in Windsor, we have the highest unemployment in all of Canada, around 11% and going up since Chrysler is laying off the third shift for good. This would be including all the suppliers in the local area.
Best advice is to work hard wherever you land and learn absolutely everything you can about every aspect of the company you can. I've found the best way to ensure that you have work even in slow times is to make yourself a vital part of day to day events. If you prove your worth to the company they will take care of you in the slower times. In 5 years I have gone home two days due to a lack of work.
i have been in the trade for about a year now lou.............and i have been workin like max 16 hours a week lately........but i mostly do installations so im guessing if i had expereince doing service then id be working more but i think it will pick up closer in april when it starts to get warm......as well since the economy is bad i think ppl are tryin to save money and are putting off the idea of buying new furnaces or tankless water heaters until things get better
Hey Charlie,
I hear it's usually slow in spring and in fall.
Do u go thru a 2 college or a crash course?
Was it hard to find work when u got ur G2?
Where are u located?
Later
its been a while but check out
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/secondcareer/index.html
they will pay for school and living expenses....any course/school you want
Quote from: Lou on January 25, 2009, 01:09:47 PM
Hi,
I'm new to the forum, planning to go into HVAC career and so I found this site to be the best for information in Canada, so I have a few questions.
About myself first:
-I am 36 yrs old and in pretty good shape. Live in Windsor, Ontario.
-Mould Designer for 7 ½ years, last job went bankrupt and was getting paid $16.10 /hr.
-went to college full time for 3 yrs and no one will hire me b/c no experience, you all know the story. A neighbour in the field helped me out and started at $9 /hr, I was consider lucky
-over the past 10 yrs, I tried to get out of this field. Had a job dealing with assembly line work for $19 /hr and enjoyed it. Worked with great people and great supervisors (some of them).
-Hated the mould industries: lack of loyalty, respect, no integrity. Moulds that I have designed were for the automotive comp. such as the mustang back lens, Lincoln, Cadillac. (GM and Ford auto.)
- where I started at, I found out one older guy was making $14 /hr doing only detail work, while I was designing injection moulds for $11 /hr. Brought it up at a raise review and they said b/c a person with a family has more expenses.
-at another mould shop, my engineering supervisor didn't know how to use or design on a computer.
Well, the is a brief description of the mould industries or the forum would be to long, but everyone I spoke in this like of work, wished they never got into it.
Now, I'm collecting unemployment, and looking into government funding for education for HVAC courses.
These are my questions:
-would it be difficult for me to change careers.
-Is this a good place to get training: http://www.greatlakestt.com/courses.php
- stories of people who went into the HVAC trade then quit. Why? ? Important
-starting wage? And there after.
-what to look for in a company?
-what questions I should ask the company?
-what kind of problems are associated with this line of work am I going to see or get?
http://www.reliancehomecomfort.com hiring with no experience, so there is a chance with no experience. See below.
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/dispjb_eng.aspx?OrderNum=4206979&Source=JobPosting&ProvId=06&Keyword=hvac&OfferpPage=50&Student=No
I would like to thank ahead for everyone that responds. I apologize for the long forum.
Thxs, already know about it and going thru the secondary career.