Thinking about getting into HVAC trade - need honest opinion/advice

[robertr]

Hi guys,
I'm planing to get into HVAC trade.
I'm university graduate (engineering) and I can not find job better than $40K/year (Ottawa) despite I have over 8 years of experience in IT industry. This is not going to work in long run. University education (even electrical engineering) is overrated and gives absolutely nothing. On top of that IT business looks worse every year since cheap Chinese and Indian take it over though outsourcing.

I started thinking about getting into trades (with my present education I'm not even allowed to fix wiring in house) with the plan to start own business rather than working for someone.
Let's be honest I want to make a good money not peanuts. I

1.
I heard plumbers make lots of money but the only college that offers this program is Cite Collegiale and they are french-only.

2.
Car mechanic would be very interesting but costs of starting own service business is to high.

3.
Electrician Technician is tempting but the official course takes two years.

4.
I found HVAC program in Algonquin College: http://www2.algonquincollege.com/acce/program/heating-refrigeration-and-air-conditioning-technician/
It takes 45 weeks and it includes exams: Oil Burner Technician 3 (OBT3) and Gas Technician 3 (G3), OBT2 and G2.


Now the questions:
Can someone share honest opinion about future of trade skills in Canada / Ontario ?
What trade would have a good future ?
Is Algonquin College HVAC program any good (it costs in total $9K)?
How long time I would have to spend working for someone before I could open my own business ?

Robert

[genuine_unoriginal]

Can someone share honest opinion about future of trade skills in Canada / Ontario ?

-It looks good. Lots of Jobs out there for skilled trades. You just have to found one your interested in pursuing.

What trade would have a good future ?

-Any. You mentioned your interested in program to become a Gas Fitter. Besides being a Gas Technician other trades utilize that Gas Fitters licence in one way or another which includes Plumbers, Steamfitters(Pipefitters), A/C Mechanics, Sheet Metal workers just for instance. So having that Gas Fitters licence opens doors to possible apprenticeships in other trades. The more you know the better off you are in this world.$$$

Is Algonquin College HVAC program any good (it costs in total $9K)?

-I spent nearly $5000(not including code books & modules) to get only my G3 & G2. So for what your learning its a fair price. You mention live in Ottawa, So I don't think you'll be needing the Oil Burners licence unless you decide to work in more rural area's.

How long time I would have to spend working for someone before I could open my own business ?

-Honestly you can open up a business once you completed school and received your G2 or OBT2 from TSSA in the mail. But I recommend getting work experience so you'll have a greater understanding how to install and service gas-fired equipment.