Breaking into the trade.

[Sean]

Hi everyone my name is Sean,

I'm a Markham resident who is in his early 30's looking for a career change. I've been in retail manage grocery for the past 12 years and am in need of a change. Working in the grocery sector I've gotten to know more about commercial refrigeration just through osmosis and its something I think I would love to learn and do for a living.

I've started by taking the night schooling at centennial college and so far its been a great experience. But I have a few questions that I wonder if some of you more senior techs could help explain.

1. Being a trade I understand how to go about becoming an apprentice but it seems confusing to me how to apply for a job when if there is a job posting it almost always ask for an apprentice with 2 + years of experience. Is there somewhere to find job posting for 1st year apprenticeships, or is a very much a "call everyone in the phone book" and see if they need a guy type scenario.

2. What qualities and skills would a company be looking for in a person who is green around the ears.

3. Being 32 am I considered Too old.

4. What would a typical weekly schedule look like. being in retail I'm use to shift work but how does it work when your "on call " do you get a day off or do you just take any work you can get ?

5. What would the average income be for an apprentice?

6. What would the average income be for a licensed tech?

7. I hear about a union for the this industry. What is it and is it worth it to get into the union, how does one do that?

I'll leave it at that for now and I know I'm asking a lot from anyone who can answer these question. I also know that you can google these answer which I've done already but they are generally not current and provide only general information. I've also asked in school and they typically sugar coat any industry or profession they'er selling so people will pay for the education. I fell for that one taking retail management at Seneca for 3 years lol.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and I  must say kudos to the the admins of this site it's certainly a wealth of information and I'm glad its available for everyone.

Thanks,

Sean. 

[Admin]

You're never too old.  Most employers will appreciate a mature person.  You're making me feel old, 32! 

The HRSDC Website lists Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic wages between $30 and $45 in the Toronto area.  A union company would probably pay the highest wages.

The College of Trades Apprenticeship Training Standard states,

Wages
5. (1) The rate of wages for an apprentice who is working in an apprentice training program to become a refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic shall be no less than the following percentage of the average rate of wages for journeypersons who have received such a certificate and are employed by the employer with whom the apprentice is working:

1. 40 percent, during the first of the five periods of apprenticeship referred to in subsection 4(1).
2. 50 percent, during the second of the five periods of apprenticeship referred to in subsection 4(1).
3. 60 percent, during the third of the five periods of apprenticeship referred to in subsection 4(1).
4. 70 percent, during the fourth of the five periods of apprenticeship referred to in subsection 4(1).
5. 80 percent, during the fifth of the five periods of apprenticeship referred to in subsection 4(1).

(2) The rate of wages for an apprentice who is working in an apprentice training program to become a residential air conditioning systems mechanic shall be no less than the following percentage of the average rate of wages for journeypersons who have received such a certificate and are employed by the employer with whom the apprentice is working:
1. 40 percent, during the first of the two periods of apprenticeship referred to in paragraph 1 of subsection4(2).
2. 60 percent, during the second of the two periods of apprenticeship referred to in paragraph 1 of sub section 4(2).
3. 80 percent, during the period of apprenticeship referred to in paragraph 2 of subsection 4(2).

(3) Despite subsection (1), if a person holds a certificate of qualification as a residential air conditioning systems mechanic and begins an apprentice training program described in subsection 4 (3), the rate of wages for the person during his or her apprenticeship shall be no less than the following percentage of the average hourly rate of wages for journeypersons who have received such a certificate and are employed by the employer with whom the apprentice is working:
1. 60 percent, during the period of apprenticeship referred to in paragraph 1 of subsection 4(3).
2. 70 percent, during the first of the two periods of apprenticeship referred to in paragraph 2 of subsection 4(3).
3. 80 percent, during the second of the two periods of apprenticeship referred to in paragraph 2 of subsection 4(3).

(4) The minimum rate of wages established under subsections(1),(2) and (3) apply to all of the apprentice's hours of work, whether for regular daily hours of work or for hours of work in excess of the regular daily hours of work.

Are you interested in doing gas work as well?  It sounds like you want to do commercial work, so for refrigeration you need the 313A certificate and for gas the G1 certificate.

Some workers only do installations and work fairly regular hours.  A service technician would be on call and working afterhours, on top of their regular weekly hours.  Shifts vary from company to company, but it's usually always 24/7 service.

It might be difficult to get hired on as a 1st year apprentice.  You may have a better chance of getting into a HVAC company as a laborer.  As you complete schooling and gain work experience, you could look at challenging the exams.

Visit local HVAC wholesaler and look for job postings.  Call all the companies you can and drop off resumes. 

The first few years can be rough, but it will pay off if you stick with it.  It can be a very rewarding career.

Good Luck!