Torontonian looking for HVAC advice

[steelseries]

I'm fairly new to this forum and not quite sure as to the best place to post this, but I figure since there is more activity here, well, here goes:

I've been working at an HVAC and mechanical company for a little over a year, mostly doing maintenance on boilers, heat pumps, fan coils, and such, but also as a helper for the senior techs especially on jobs that require two people (heavier installs, for example). I've been recently laid off as my employer has lost quite a few key contracts over the summer and I've got a bunch of options I could go with and wanted some guidance.

Prior to this, I had been in school for a year in a HVAC program and received my G3, ODP, and WHMIS. I, subsequently, got a job during the summer after my 1st year in college doing HVAC sales and then my most recent employment stated above. I was planning on going back in September for my final year (2nd year) to get my G2, Gastite certification, and diploma, but my employer was looking for people to work through the winter too, so I stuck around and had a decent ride until now. He didn't want to go through accepting a new apprentice having had a bad experience his first time around, but gave me his word to write up a reference letter including all the necessary info needed (hours worked, position, job description, etc) if I were to find one elsewhere. I confirmed this with the apprenticeship office and they mentioned as long as the new employer accepts the letter, those hours can be logged. I think it'll be a very slim chance most employers would want to do such a thing. I think those hours would then count me as a 2nd year apprentice. I'll confirm with my local apprenticeship office.

Anyhow, I wanted to ask for some career advice in regards to the next step to take. I'm going to try to exhaust my network before I decide to go to school, but I was really looking into completing my 2nd year of schooling as I do deem the G2 (maybe even the diploma) as being quite essential to getting a 313A apprenticeship. Would most of you agree given the state of the city's HVAC industry today? I want to be fully prepared so that when I do seek an apprenticeship, I'll have the most leverage to get the hours included, among other things. Does this sound like a reasonable approach? My other question was in regards to those hours and not obtaining an apprenticeship in this field: Can those hours go towards the qualifying hours needed to write the 313A CofQ exam if I do not get an apprenticeship?

Essentially, I was debating on either returning to school at George Brown in September through a program that allows me to receive EI while in attendance as long as I pay for all my tuition costs OR utilizing the Second Career program in December/January for a fast tracked G2 program (perhaps even the AC courses) at Hi-Mark if I cannot obtain gainful employment. With the first option, I'll have insurance coverage for the 8 months there, an easier schedule of 20-30 hours a week, get to stay busy and keep honing my craft as soon as September comes, work towards my diploma, access to a brand new HVAC lab and reunite with some knowledgeable professors. With the second choice, financially, it will be better for me as they cover for tuition AND living expenses, the program takes 3 months to complete, and Hi-Mark offers co-op so I'll get even more meaningful hands-on experience.

What are your thoughts on the local HVAC industry's employability at the moment and does anyone here in Toronto have work for a good soul, both hard working and eager to learn? All help is appreciated and if anyone would like to know more of my credentials and background, feel free to leave me a message. I don't want to boast or be all grandiose about it, but here's little about myself:

I'm also a Business graduate with account management/sales experience and was top of my class both in my Business and HVAC program. References are available.

Ultimately, I wanted to get into design, controls or perhaps, my own HVAC business. I'd also like to get into the union (UA Local 787). Anyone with advice as it relates to these options in terms of how to navigate the industry to get to where I'd like to go, feel free to chime in. I would have liked to study engineering if I had the opportunity which probably would have made some of these options a lot more readily accessible. Also, how difficult would it be to get into the union given that I've worked in the industry already and want to have those hours credited when I do get an apprenticeship offer?

Thanks for everyone's time and all input is appreciated!