www.hvactechgroup.com - forums

Hello all, I've recently joined the union local 787 in Ontario and was put on the "available to hire" list. I was wondering how long it took for someone in the same position as me to find a job? And was the job found by union contractor calling you or you approaching them?

I have a year of HVAC residential experience and currently repair refrigeration system on freezer.

Any comments will be appreciated!

Our company just got the sheet metal and gas union so I'm waiting to see what happens.

In our area there aren't many residential unionized companies.  I would be applying to Direct Energy, Reliance or Enbridge if I were you.  Things were a little sketchy at Direct Energy recently so I'm not sure if that would be a good fit.

I would be approaching employers and not waiting for the union to find you interviews.  My last employer ran into some problems and the company was put into receivership.  The union did nothing to get it's members paid what was owed to them and in fact allowed the electrical union to take their payroll to resolve an unrelated issue.  I've never been a fan of the unions and that event really left me doubting their value.

If I have to ever look for another job I would probably just become an independent sub contractor and work for whoever was busy, but ultimately be working for myself.

If they gave you a list of union employers I would start going down the list and apply everywhere. Don't wait for them to call you. They probably won't

Thanks for the reply guys, I've actually been calling up companies since March, but hasn't got me any luck yet. I am thinking that the union took in way too many new guys than the trade ever needed in these couple of years. And most guys are just sitting on the waiting list right now.

And to Admin, I see posting from big companies, but they rarely are looking for apprentice or an entry tech I find. I've also heard from guys saying that It's the slow time of the season right now, and companies should be looking to hire as we approach May.