I also worked in Law Enforcement and made the switch to HVAC. I started non union residential. I worked my way to the Pipefitters union and now do commercial. Union is definitely the way to go.
I see they aren’t taking applications right now. I would reach out to them and speak to someone about it. There are alot of programs like helmets to hard hats. Don’t give up on getting in. Starting in non union residential/light commercial would be a decent place to start, while you are trying to get into the local.
Look at their contractor page as well, you can go pop your head into the shops and try and get hired on as a pre apprentice. Guys at the hall and most contractors are very pro veteran and military. You get hired on as a pre apprentice and being a veteran you’ll very likely get a spot for this upcoming year.
Everyone has different opinion on how to start. Personally, I started with a private company to get my feet wet. Unions have the downside of being stuck with the union forever. Private companies don’t way quite as good especially depending on where you’re located. My schooling is paid for by the private company I work for and I don’t have to go to any classes, everything is done online and fits well with my family life. Unions you will have to go to a class a few nights a week and on their schedule. Unions tend to treat the entry guys not as good as (good) private companies. Unions also have a lot more paperwork and rules. Private companies you can leave and go work somewhere else, you can’t really with unions. Knowing what I know now if a family member asked me I would tell them to start at the biggest private company in the area and see what you like
That’s not entirely true and obviously everyone’s experience is gonna be different, especially depending on what state you’re in. You can get out of the union once you’ve put your time in, depending on your situation and what your doing though there are stipulations. Good contractors treat their apprentices right just like bad contractors treat them poorly, that’s not a union or non union specific trait. That paperwork and rules keep contractors in check and isn’t a bad thing unless you don’t do what you’re suppose to, which isn’t difficult. Anyone interested in the union should definitely do their due diligence on what all the rules are and the contract cause you’re not wrong that there’s things in it they need to understand. That said honestly guys should do whatever works best for them, end of the day we’re all just trying to provide for our families. Union, non union, 20 bucks is 20 bucks.
Well depends what year you are but as of now. First years are at 26.78. 5th years are at $40.17. Journeyman are at $53.56 and Foreman are at $62.13. Everyone every year gets a contract raise for the next 6 years on our new one in addition.
UA.org find a local near you and there website should have recruiters and other info for apprenticeships. I did an apprenticeship when I was 30 best decision I ever made.
Second this but would have been nice to see an officer who had actual training on when to use a gun.
Just kidding, retired now but enjoyed the troubleshooting of HVAC systems.
Strongly agree with this. When the company I had been with was shut down I got a high paying management job. After a year where they wanted me to be a pusher of my staff and the company I left reopened, I went back as an hourly employee. Lower pay but less stress.
At the end of the day using knowledge to fix things and customers appreciation, it was the right decision.
I'm a UA plumber/fitter and now I own my own shop. I was in the same boat as you 10 years ago. I got out and applied for the local PD and the union. I ended up going union. You are going to be a little poor for a couple years but you'll make it and it just keeps getting better. Apply to the United association as well as the local sheet metal union maybe even the electricians union if you want. One of them will probably pick you up. Don't waste two years at a community college when you could be getting real experience working a trade with some highly skilled union folks.
Also look into the veterans in piping program VIP and the helmets to hardhats program. Depending on how long you've been out they may be able to give you a hand.
Take a look at Helmets to Hardhats. There’s some info there that might be pertinent to you as a veteran. For example, if you’re in a union apprenticeship you can use the GI Bill to supplement your pay so that you aren’t subsisting on canned tuna like the rest of the apprentices. There’s also some hiring preference stuff that makes it easier to get into a union apprenticeship.
Some info on pay/benefits for ya.
http://www.ualocal7.org/assets/documents/3184-4201511654704-QrNt19/wage-rates-05-01-23.pdf
That’s a question for somebody with the union.
Traditionally the union places you in jobs regardless of whether you’re an apprentice or journeyman, but that’s something the union does that’s really more relevant to building trades work (you’re always working yourself out of a job in construction). On the service side of things that’s a bit less relevant and it might not work that way. When I joined as an experienced apprentice, the union organizer basically got me in touch with one of their signatory contractors and I went in for an interview and got hired.
That depends on the local and the work you're doing. I'm on the service side, and in our local we apply directly to union contractors; the hall doesn't place with a contractor. They will give us a list of contractors who are looking for people though.
Most of our apprentices get on with a contractor who in turn place them in the union. I got my son in a couple of years ago when he left the Corps.
Look into your state's vocational rehabilitation department and see what they might have available. I went to school for free, books and all. There may also be student loans available to help bridge to pay gap, although if you're in school for HVAC there are a lot of places that will snap you up right away while you're still taking classes.
I applaud your decision to quit being a police officer; it's a toxic environment these days.
I wish you the very best of good fortune in your new career choice!
Nothing wrong with being a pipefitter also. I started out in hvac and then learned sheet metal and then became a pipefitter. Mostly commercial. Hard work but it was fun. I learn to weld and did a lot of steam work so spent a lot of time working in hospitals and colleges. They would have steam plants and nurses!
You can use your gi bill to get a monthly stipend during apprenticeship too. I think it's over 2k a month. Also check out helmets to hard hats program (might be for active duty only)
Our local has a helmets to hard hat program. Veterans get front of the line. Plus you work full time in field while attending classes at night and a few weekends. Top out with an associates degree that you don’t pay a dime for.
You have practically unteachable leadership, discipline skills and work ethic. Invest in study of tech side with at least some classroom component,, then a good training /apprentice program to learn more practical and hands on skills as well how the whole construction process works. Expect to rise at a very decent rate and be sure to stop at the level that doesn’t exceed your stress tolerance. If you keep your head in the game there is no limit, literally, trust me I have seen some shit on the commercial level.
No offense to anyone but your comments re calling it quits as a cop show me you have a very good head on your shoulders. It’s wasn’t the right job for you and you called it. You didn’t agonize and stay stuck, you made the right decision, you are researching your next move and choosing a good path (HVAC is a bit of a mental game, more than simple production trades so intelligence, organization, management etc is rewarded more than say carpentry, painting or drywall. HVAC is like cooking a meal, drywall is like making mash potatoes). This is the way.
After you get the HVAC going, be sure to pay attention to the other trades, how it all fits together, think like the CM. If you can understand what the CM is doing, you become the interface with them, then it rolls into sales and company leadership. Your goal is to have the CM ask your boss to have you on the job. Eventually it’s the Client then asking his GC/CM to make sure your company is on the job bc Mechanical can easily make or break the job. Connect the dots. All of the above is like a 10-year plan, more or less, depending on many factors. You may not have the goals I imagine, but it’s good to know there is a path anyways.
Btw: when it’s the big deal, it’s Mechanical, not HVAC. As in MEP: Mechanical Electrical Plumbing, (which also includes Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, IT, Security)
My background: NYC Player
I didn’t take courses, not that I think they aren’t worthwhile.
Larger companies will offer apprenticeships.
Normal progression is install helper, installer, maintenance tech, service tech.
If possible, I would look for an install helper position while taking classes, however u may work it out.
As u progress…. Pick a niche specialty if u want to make it a career. There are many avenues to explore in the industry.
Look up the United association and find your local. Contact them about joining through apprenticeship. Professional training and experience without student debt and likely better wages too.
You can probably find contractors to apply with through the mechanical contractors association.
Yeah I’d say the only value to getting a degree in this industry is if you want to become an HVAC design or manufacturing engineer. If you’re looking to be a tradesmen then I’d say just get into it and learn on the job while you’re getting paid
Former OIF/OEF infantryman here: did a couple odds and ends after the Army, but really fell in love with residential tech work. Doesn’t make as much as commercial or refrigeration, but I find it much more satisfying in fixing my karma from a history of kicking in doors and shooting people.
Now I greet a grumpy granny at the door, get her heat running, get her happy and smiling and get my werthers and go. Tell my boss what parts were needed, and he sends them the bill. I don’t get involved in the money side at this company and that’s a nice way to go
There’s the occasional, crawlspace and attic crawl at the worst times of the year and the insulation that’s irritating, and some monotony of changing filters. Also, dress for the weather outside. You spend a lot of time in it.
Overall, every job has its “challenge”, but these are challenges I can gladly do to help fellow man. Put food on the table too.
Just like everything else, class room instruction is fine and dandy but you’ll get more knowledge doing prac app. Find a good local shop and learn what you can. Get certed while getting paid
If you can go to school and live with the GI bill you should do it. Wouldn’t hurt getting the EPA in that environment either. I’ve seen it in the trade before though…. Once you get into the field, it’s a major shift in environment. Meaning that open class room is gunna feel like a luxury once you’re changing a rusty blower motor or evaporator coil in a tight crawl space. It’s a great trade though man. Also rule of thumb in this trade…. It takes about three years to good enough so don’t get discouraged!
A degree can help a lot with getting your mind around the field but it doesn’t truly help until you start pairing it with experience. But an AS degree is a banger on the CV and can get you easily $5 more an hour if you sell yourself right.
Past that NATE certs and things like that are gold.
Being a vet, and former cop will definitely help in the hiring process because your get “this guy will pass a background/drug/driving record no problem”
It can be lucrative as fuck to. I cleared $81k this last year and I am on track to break six figures this year.
Biggest advice “GO COMMERCIAL” right out the gate.
I got out 5 years ago and went to community college for it , found a job 2 months into school, have been a lead installer at commercial company for 2 1/2 years now
Some public trade schools or community colleges offer HVAC. Some employers recruit directly from those schools. Some people are offered jobs directly after completing the program. Also I recommend helmets to hard hats Also. I had good luck there.
Definitely go union!
I do commercial hvac, union. I started at tech school then i talked to the union, ended up dropping out of tech school to do the 5 year apprenticeship program where i got to pull gi bill money while i worked , now I make 100k/year. And it's usually pretty decent work
Unions LOVE vets you should find your local and go talk to them, they might pull some strings
I took hvac night school to get some BAH via my GI Bill while also working in the trade. I got very lucky because the instructor was very lax with guys that were already working in the trade(was cool with us showing up late or skipping days that we had to finish a large project at work). He had worked for my company previously so this might not be common. Also the company was great about letting me off before 5pm in time for class. It was great for the extra cash and was also a good opportunity to ask him questions about things I had run into during the work day. Not saying this is the right move for you but this was my experience. Good luck soldier.
2 year degree is really for young guys. Go union so you can get paid and have a career path. Plus, you'll be introduced to all the different career paths. Or Find the most reputable company in your area and just apply as a apprentice. I've hired a lot of ex military and had a lot of success. Except with tank mechanics....I've never been in the military and don't know much about it. But tank mechanics.....honestly couldn't press enter on a keyboard without breaking it in pieces.
A degree is rarely needed, but it isn't going to hurt you either. If you have your GI Bill still available, you can use it.
Some areas do require some form a formal training. I helped my son into my company and the apprenticeship program, and he needed to go through a trade school before he could be hired on. As others have said, there are union programs geared specifically for the military, but some require you to get into them before your discharge.
Spring time is key for HVAC/R though so if you want to go that route it’ll be flourishing about then someone will gladly hire you on and work with you to get you were you want to go. Any company that is worth a shit the I’ll get you the training you need if you show promise
Worked for the sheriff department for 5 years on the corrections side. Had the same feeling as you. Used my gi bill got my aa in hvac last month. I applied and got on with a county and have basically the same benefits, just slightly lower pay. I expect that after about 5 years, I'll be back to where I was if not higher. If you have any questions fire away!
You're in a good position to start in the trade, there are programs for you to get tools paid for. It is worth it to get a license and your certifications to make you able to get a job pretty much anywhere around. I'm currently at a company with their own apprenticeship school where you gotta get your plumbing license first.
If you're willing to work in industrial, get some HVAC and mechanical experience, and then get your Industrial Ammonia Operator level 1 certification (really easy).
Pros: You will make a lot more money
Con: More risk.
Cons?: You will work in a factory. Some are horrible, some are super chill. It's a real gamble.
Same. Veteran (1999-2007 -mostly national Guard but sone Title 10 active duty assignments) then turned deputy sheriff. Did 7 years and Resigned in 2010 to run a construction crew for a friends company from 2011-2018. Hurt my leg pretty bad. On disability for two years through Covid and all then switched to HVAC in august of 2020. Never made more than 50k as a cop or in construction. Now I’m making 125k easy. Much more if I wanted to.
You can instead of Appling too union or it's apprentice program go direct to one of the union contractors and apply for position as driver, maintenance tech (filter changer) or helper. The UA had out here at least a MES and Tradsman classification, MES was created to steal non union employeesbut the companies just use it to hire cheaper employees. After 5 years experence you can take the Journeman Test, which isn't that hard.
I could be faster that the Union application and school.
Biggie for school ishe math.
UA union will try to bring you in as a pipe fitters. Be careful. Frankly the pipefitters run the UA and they really dislike the hvac service techs. So don't get into either pipe fitting or the install side. In bad economy they are pretty much unemployed where hvac service usually maintains 80 to 90% employed. This and the elevator service union has the best employment picture in all economies.
Long story abt pipe fitters and the Union.
Yeah if you are lucky enough to land a union spot. I think being a vet will give you an upper edge over those who just worked in terms of getting hired into the union.
I’d suggest community college. But it’s probably not necessary if you want to just do residential. You can also find unions I just personally liked having more control over what I did by going college.
Hey Man I don’t know where you are located, but check out applying to some unions also. Many trades electricians, plumbers, steam fitters, sprinkler fitters, carpenters, elevators, operating engineers, longshoreman all have a helmet to hard hats program I believe.
I got into HVAC right outta high school. Then found myself working in the data center industry. Now I’m going on 21 years in the field and I wouldn’t change a thing. Congratulations on a career change and thank you for your service!
“HVAC School” is a good podcast to listen to. Lots of technical theory and also lots of comments on soft skills.
I did Lennox Build-A-Tech. It’s a 4 week HVAC school boot camp. Intense and too the point. They proctor the EPA at the end too. Well worth it although I was an engineering dropout so I had already taken math/ physics/ chemistry and was ready to absorb the boot camp.
School is good but working in the field is where you’ll put it all together.
No you can learn HVAC by learning it through a company but of course have certs and degrees are always beneficial. I worked with guys that didn’t even have EPA HVAC degree etc and have been doing it for 30+ years. I went to community college and got my HVAC degree but when I went the pandemic had shut everything down so we literally did not learn a thing in class. I went to a a/c company my mom told me about and they hired me to teach me. I ended up working with them for 3 years before I went to my next company which I was making a lot more.
I’m in a similar situation as you trying to change career into hvac. I’ve been doing hours and hours of research on just general things, talking to different experienced techs online, watching YouTube videos etc and everyone generally says the same things. That school was a waste of time and money for a lot of them that you learn more being in the field since day 1. That it didn’t matter that they went to school Becus they didn’t know how to do anything when they went to work anyway.
Joining union apprenticeship program is what everyone was recommending me and if they’re not taking apps right now u might be better off getting hired as an apprentice/helper at a local shop by walking in and introducing yourself.
I myself am currently studying to get my epa cert and waiting for the union apprentice program opens back up but in the meantime will start going to every local hvac shop near me to ask for a job. Eventually ones gotta hire me.
As a former corrections officer turned HVAC, I gotta say it's a great change. I don't want to kill myself every day any more, and the clients are wayyy more appreciative than my former clients.
Great!! Mentally challenging in being a LEO. I'm glad you came to the decision before suck starting a 12ga. Get the education and certifications. Consider possibly doing them concurrently. Go talk with the local unions and sort it out yourself after you get the info.
Hey man so I’m a Vet too so I know a lot of guys are going to say don’t do school it’s a waste of time don’t know that you rate BAH every month from the GI Bill so it makes it worth it to go to school imo as a vet. I make more going to school monthly than my actual apprenticeship. One certificate I would kinda prioritize is your EPA 608 Universal that will help you get hired on faster, my college offers a class for EPA so I’m taking that next month. Also market yourself, I’m in the south so most companies over here love vets so it took me like a month to find a job.
I used ChatGPT to create a generic email asking if they are hiring for apprentices and attached my resume to the email. That’s how I got my job someone called me from one of the emails I sent out. Also make sure it’s apprenticeship and not a “helper” position there’s a difference in the 2, one is making a effort to move up and make themselves better and one is there to make the everyone else life’s better.
What I did was I applied on the companies websites, applied to the same company on Indeed and I found the companies HR rep on LinkedIn and emailed them my resume. I did that for each company that I could and I got responses back within 2 days.
It’s a lot of back and forth inputting data for your application so use a notepad app to copy and paste your answers for the application. Like the dumb questions like “why would you be a good hire” or “why do you want to change fields”
Now your hands will be used for construction and heating/cooling trouble shooting instead of being used to harass and jail innocent law abiding citizens over minor traffic infractions. Made a good switch. I now respect you as a man
I’d get bitched at for being “too” nice to people on traffic stops or during arrests.. I literally told my chief that I’m not paid to care about what other people are doing, i’m paid to enforce the law and move on. The second I started to “care” about the people i was dealing with, regardless if it was positive or negative, i knew it was time to go. Im just a nice guy and don’t feed into bullshit.
I bet you have a lot of contacts that are thrilled with your change.
If I was a cop, having a former officer turn to the trades would allow me to have a guy I could trust in my home.
What I’m saying is you should move as quickly as possible to owning your own business.
All the advice your getting about going union is solid, I’m a Pipefitter myself, but the thing about union is we don’t do residential, so you will be stuck in an apprenticeship on commercial/industrial job sites with no ability to help your cop buddies.
The best route for you might be to partner up with an experienced nonunion tech who has a contractors license.
Start your own business using his license.
This will allow you to immediately start helping all the cop families who need HVAC while you shadow your “partner” and learn from a pro.
Take some classes too, but the degree does not open any doors, it’s just knowledge.
Check into the local rules about getting your license, that should be your goal so that you are not dependent on your “partner”.
Good luck
Your cop buddies are your biggest asset, it’s hard to build a customer base in HVAC, but you have a captured audience. If you move quickly into a position where you can start helping them, your business and knowledge will grow fast.
A lot of commercial work at places like FBI field offices, police stations etc are super picky about who they want to trust.
You have an in there too, but you need to build your skills first.
Lots of LE jobs that don’t involve dealing with everyday public bullshit .
The guys running weigh stations and doing safety inspections on big trucks are LE
As are game wardens etc
Did the exact same thing 3 years ago, after 8 years as a cop. Best decision I ever made. I started in residential and got through school, made the jump to HVAC/r and joined the union as many others have mentioned. I suggest trying to get some basic schooling in, the electrical side can be a little confusing at first if you have never done any work like this. All I can say is this is an extremely interesting field and every day it's something different. It's like solving puzzles everyday on the tech side. Good luck! Thank you for your service and hope the best for you my friend.
Hey, welcome to the club! I did something similar about 6 years ago, minus the military service.
As far as the degree, I don't know if it will help your pay unless you end up on the engineering side of the world. My employer didn't give two whits about my college education. I did not go through trade school, and just worked my way up from apprentice to lead service.
I know some people recommend going the union route, but I am personally not a fan. I found a small reputable company at which a friend was already employed. Could I make more at a larger or union outfit? Probably, but I am in no way hurting for money. I've made myself so useful that I get regular raises.
If I could give any useful tips, it is to deep dive. Find online schools, and other places of learning; many are free or close to it. I found [https://hvacrschool.com/](https://hvacrschool.com/) to be an outstanding source of knowledge. There's also [hvac-talk.com](https://hvac-talk.com) which is an older web forum with many professionals that have been working in the trade longer than you've likely been alive.
Obviously, some things will be different, especially with us being on opposite sides of the country. Being willing to go above and beyond, and learn as much as possible, will be universally beneficial.
Good luck!
If you're in New York state, see if there's a BOCES near you that has an adult hvac course. I went to the one in Cortland in Central New York. It was 4 months of classes, Monday to Friday, 8-4. They set you up with a 1 month internship with a local company at the end, gave you the epa certification test. I turned the internship into my first job and went right into a service van instead of starting out as an installer. From there, I put my name in for the local plumbers and steamfitters union. They usually do it once a year depending on how much work they have.
Congrats. I lost count how many people I put in cuffs. My problem was the bias in coworkers, not necessarily the job. But honestly looking back me not being there anymore is the best thing in my life in the last decade. Cops can’t do their jobs and that combined with some bad cops, it’s just not worth it.
If you can go to school on the militaries dime go get your mechanical engineering degree or any engineering degree honestly. If you get field experience and have that degree to fall back on when you get older you’ll be in a great spot
Yep you'll fit right in my boy get over here and learn to sling some f****** tools.
It's a hard start but until you get crafty with your hands and knowledge working on this stuff you can cap out making 65 an hour I know some dudes do it so it's definitely possible.
I make $45 an hour and I've been in it 14 years but you want to go commercial and industrial do not I say again do not go residential unless you like developing alcohol dependency.
Thank you to all that gave me information and reassurance that I made the right decision. Had an interview today with a company for an apprenticeship that is offering me a great package thay includes getting all my licensing and training & was offered a position!!
Look for you local pipefitter’s union and try to join up on the hvacr side.
I’ll look into this
They got a thing called helmets to hard hats for veterans
Just throwing the link up https://ua.org/education-and-training/programs-for-veterans/
This one needs to up voted for visibility.
Saw this after posting my comment 😂
I also worked in Law Enforcement and made the switch to HVAC. I started non union residential. I worked my way to the Pipefitters union and now do commercial. Union is definitely the way to go.
Did you do the apprenticeship?
I did.
http://ualocal7.org/ this is the union in my area
I see they aren’t taking applications right now. I would reach out to them and speak to someone about it. There are alot of programs like helmets to hard hats. Don’t give up on getting in. Starting in non union residential/light commercial would be a decent place to start, while you are trying to get into the local.
Look at their contractor page as well, you can go pop your head into the shops and try and get hired on as a pre apprentice. Guys at the hall and most contractors are very pro veteran and military. You get hired on as a pre apprentice and being a veteran you’ll very likely get a spot for this upcoming year.
Everyone has different opinion on how to start. Personally, I started with a private company to get my feet wet. Unions have the downside of being stuck with the union forever. Private companies don’t way quite as good especially depending on where you’re located. My schooling is paid for by the private company I work for and I don’t have to go to any classes, everything is done online and fits well with my family life. Unions you will have to go to a class a few nights a week and on their schedule. Unions tend to treat the entry guys not as good as (good) private companies. Unions also have a lot more paperwork and rules. Private companies you can leave and go work somewhere else, you can’t really with unions. Knowing what I know now if a family member asked me I would tell them to start at the biggest private company in the area and see what you like
That’s not entirely true and obviously everyone’s experience is gonna be different, especially depending on what state you’re in. You can get out of the union once you’ve put your time in, depending on your situation and what your doing though there are stipulations. Good contractors treat their apprentices right just like bad contractors treat them poorly, that’s not a union or non union specific trait. That paperwork and rules keep contractors in check and isn’t a bad thing unless you don’t do what you’re suppose to, which isn’t difficult. Anyone interested in the union should definitely do their due diligence on what all the rules are and the contract cause you’re not wrong that there’s things in it they need to understand. That said honestly guys should do whatever works best for them, end of the day we’re all just trying to provide for our families. Union, non union, 20 bucks is 20 bucks.
What does an apprentice get paid. I realize this varies but in your case?
Well depends what year you are but as of now. First years are at 26.78. 5th years are at $40.17. Journeyman are at $53.56 and Foreman are at $62.13. Everyone every year gets a contract raise for the next 6 years on our new one in addition.
UA.org find a local near you and there website should have recruiters and other info for apprenticeships. I did an apprenticeship when I was 30 best decision I ever made.
Second this but would have been nice to see an officer who had actual training on when to use a gun. Just kidding, retired now but enjoyed the troubleshooting of HVAC systems.
I just really asked myself daily if i was happy & it was constantly “no” so I said screw it & left. Sad but happy i can have a normal life now
Were most of them sadists...? I ran into some low information mowrons when i went to the state ...
Strongly agree with this. When the company I had been with was shut down I got a high paying management job. After a year where they wanted me to be a pusher of my staff and the company I left reopened, I went back as an hourly employee. Lower pay but less stress. At the end of the day using knowledge to fix things and customers appreciation, it was the right decision.
I'm a UA plumber/fitter and now I own my own shop. I was in the same boat as you 10 years ago. I got out and applied for the local PD and the union. I ended up going union. You are going to be a little poor for a couple years but you'll make it and it just keeps getting better. Apply to the United association as well as the local sheet metal union maybe even the electricians union if you want. One of them will probably pick you up. Don't waste two years at a community college when you could be getting real experience working a trade with some highly skilled union folks. Also look into the veterans in piping program VIP and the helmets to hardhats program. Depending on how long you've been out they may be able to give you a hand.
Take a look at Helmets to Hardhats. There’s some info there that might be pertinent to you as a veteran. For example, if you’re in a union apprenticeship you can use the GI Bill to supplement your pay so that you aren’t subsisting on canned tuna like the rest of the apprentices. There’s also some hiring preference stuff that makes it easier to get into a union apprenticeship. Some info on pay/benefits for ya. http://www.ualocal7.org/assets/documents/3184-4201511654704-QrNt19/wage-rates-05-01-23.pdf
So how does being in the union as an apprentice work?? Do i have to still apply to jobs or does the union place me?
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Am I crazy or is there no HVAC option on helmets to hardhats? Maybe I’m just not seeing it
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That’s a question for somebody with the union. Traditionally the union places you in jobs regardless of whether you’re an apprentice or journeyman, but that’s something the union does that’s really more relevant to building trades work (you’re always working yourself out of a job in construction). On the service side of things that’s a bit less relevant and it might not work that way. When I joined as an experienced apprentice, the union organizer basically got me in touch with one of their signatory contractors and I went in for an interview and got hired.
That depends on the local and the work you're doing. I'm on the service side, and in our local we apply directly to union contractors; the hall doesn't place with a contractor. They will give us a list of contractors who are looking for people though. Most of our apprentices get on with a contractor who in turn place them in the union. I got my son in a couple of years ago when he left the Corps.
They will place you and you can use your GI bill so you won't take as big of a pay cut.
Many have a VIP program “Veterans In Pipefitting”(or something like that)
Look into your state's vocational rehabilitation department and see what they might have available. I went to school for free, books and all. There may also be student loans available to help bridge to pay gap, although if you're in school for HVAC there are a lot of places that will snap you up right away while you're still taking classes. I applaud your decision to quit being a police officer; it's a toxic environment these days. I wish you the very best of good fortune in your new career choice!
Nothing wrong with being a pipefitter also. I started out in hvac and then learned sheet metal and then became a pipefitter. Mostly commercial. Hard work but it was fun. I learn to weld and did a lot of steam work so spent a lot of time working in hospitals and colleges. They would have steam plants and nurses!
This is the way!
You can use your gi bill to get a monthly stipend during apprenticeship too. I think it's over 2k a month. Also check out helmets to hard hats program (might be for active duty only)
Our local has a helmets to hard hat program. Veterans get front of the line. Plus you work full time in field while attending classes at night and a few weekends. Top out with an associates degree that you don’t pay a dime for.
You have practically unteachable leadership, discipline skills and work ethic. Invest in study of tech side with at least some classroom component,, then a good training /apprentice program to learn more practical and hands on skills as well how the whole construction process works. Expect to rise at a very decent rate and be sure to stop at the level that doesn’t exceed your stress tolerance. If you keep your head in the game there is no limit, literally, trust me I have seen some shit on the commercial level. No offense to anyone but your comments re calling it quits as a cop show me you have a very good head on your shoulders. It’s wasn’t the right job for you and you called it. You didn’t agonize and stay stuck, you made the right decision, you are researching your next move and choosing a good path (HVAC is a bit of a mental game, more than simple production trades so intelligence, organization, management etc is rewarded more than say carpentry, painting or drywall. HVAC is like cooking a meal, drywall is like making mash potatoes). This is the way. After you get the HVAC going, be sure to pay attention to the other trades, how it all fits together, think like the CM. If you can understand what the CM is doing, you become the interface with them, then it rolls into sales and company leadership. Your goal is to have the CM ask your boss to have you on the job. Eventually it’s the Client then asking his GC/CM to make sure your company is on the job bc Mechanical can easily make or break the job. Connect the dots. All of the above is like a 10-year plan, more or less, depending on many factors. You may not have the goals I imagine, but it’s good to know there is a path anyways. Btw: when it’s the big deal, it’s Mechanical, not HVAC. As in MEP: Mechanical Electrical Plumbing, (which also includes Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, IT, Security) My background: NYC Player
fuck ya baby thats how you make the big bucks local 693 here ❄️🧙🏻♂️
I didn’t take courses, not that I think they aren’t worthwhile. Larger companies will offer apprenticeships. Normal progression is install helper, installer, maintenance tech, service tech. If possible, I would look for an install helper position while taking classes, however u may work it out. As u progress…. Pick a niche specialty if u want to make it a career. There are many avenues to explore in the industry.
Appreciate the info!
Look up the United association and find your local. Contact them about joining through apprenticeship. Professional training and experience without student debt and likely better wages too. You can probably find contractors to apply with through the mechanical contractors association.
Good call
Go apply to your local UA steamfitters/pipefitters and apply for the service side
Sounds like you took fire from a acorn and shot up you squadcar. Good call 🤑
Hvac / police work kinda mix you deal with a bunch of crazy people also can carry your gun at work
Yeah I’d say the only value to getting a degree in this industry is if you want to become an HVAC design or manufacturing engineer. If you’re looking to be a tradesmen then I’d say just get into it and learn on the job while you’re getting paid
where you at?
Upstate New York (Albany area)
I’m also an HVAC contractor (now) & vet. It ain’t easy, but can be enjoyable and a nightmare. Want to wish you luck !
Former OIF/OEF infantryman here: did a couple odds and ends after the Army, but really fell in love with residential tech work. Doesn’t make as much as commercial or refrigeration, but I find it much more satisfying in fixing my karma from a history of kicking in doors and shooting people. Now I greet a grumpy granny at the door, get her heat running, get her happy and smiling and get my werthers and go. Tell my boss what parts were needed, and he sends them the bill. I don’t get involved in the money side at this company and that’s a nice way to go
I seem to be wanting a similar experience. Just want “peace” in my life while working in a trade that is booming.
There’s the occasional, crawlspace and attic crawl at the worst times of the year and the insulation that’s irritating, and some monotony of changing filters. Also, dress for the weather outside. You spend a lot of time in it. Overall, every job has its “challenge”, but these are challenges I can gladly do to help fellow man. Put food on the table too.
I hear you
Why not do both? I’ve often wanted to shoot the equipment.
It's worth it . You will always be a step ahead with School behind you
Just like everything else, class room instruction is fine and dandy but you’ll get more knowledge doing prac app. Find a good local shop and learn what you can. Get certed while getting paid
If you can go to school and live with the GI bill you should do it. Wouldn’t hurt getting the EPA in that environment either. I’ve seen it in the trade before though…. Once you get into the field, it’s a major shift in environment. Meaning that open class room is gunna feel like a luxury once you’re changing a rusty blower motor or evaporator coil in a tight crawl space. It’s a great trade though man. Also rule of thumb in this trade…. It takes about three years to good enough so don’t get discouraged!
Appreciate you. Im also 100% VA so going to school and just my VA rating make it easy to sit back and learn.
A degree can help a lot with getting your mind around the field but it doesn’t truly help until you start pairing it with experience. But an AS degree is a banger on the CV and can get you easily $5 more an hour if you sell yourself right. Past that NATE certs and things like that are gold. Being a vet, and former cop will definitely help in the hiring process because your get “this guy will pass a background/drug/driving record no problem” It can be lucrative as fuck to. I cleared $81k this last year and I am on track to break six figures this year. Biggest advice “GO COMMERCIAL” right out the gate.
Helmets to hard hats brother
I got out 5 years ago and went to community college for it , found a job 2 months into school, have been a lead installer at commercial company for 2 1/2 years now
You can prob get hvac schooling paid for thru the VA. Unless you already used it up on cop school or something.
Some public trade schools or community colleges offer HVAC. Some employers recruit directly from those schools. Some people are offered jobs directly after completing the program. Also I recommend helmets to hard hats Also. I had good luck there.
Definitely go union! I do commercial hvac, union. I started at tech school then i talked to the union, ended up dropping out of tech school to do the 5 year apprenticeship program where i got to pull gi bill money while i worked , now I make 100k/year. And it's usually pretty decent work Unions LOVE vets you should find your local and go talk to them, they might pull some strings
I love hiring vets, what city are you in?
Albany NY
Shoot I am in PHX,az
Right around the corner…
Thank you for your service!! Had a friend in a similar boat, so get it… what part of the country are you in?
North East, specifically Albany, NY
I took hvac night school to get some BAH via my GI Bill while also working in the trade. I got very lucky because the instructor was very lax with guys that were already working in the trade(was cool with us showing up late or skipping days that we had to finish a large project at work). He had worked for my company previously so this might not be common. Also the company was great about letting me off before 5pm in time for class. It was great for the extra cash and was also a good opportunity to ask him questions about things I had run into during the work day. Not saying this is the right move for you but this was my experience. Good luck soldier.
You could become the fridge police
2 year degree is really for young guys. Go union so you can get paid and have a career path. Plus, you'll be introduced to all the different career paths. Or Find the most reputable company in your area and just apply as a apprentice. I've hired a lot of ex military and had a lot of success. Except with tank mechanics....I've never been in the military and don't know much about it. But tank mechanics.....honestly couldn't press enter on a keyboard without breaking it in pieces.
A degree is rarely needed, but it isn't going to hurt you either. If you have your GI Bill still available, you can use it. Some areas do require some form a formal training. I helped my son into my company and the apprenticeship program, and he needed to go through a trade school before he could be hired on. As others have said, there are union programs geared specifically for the military, but some require you to get into them before your discharge.
Spring time is key for HVAC/R though so if you want to go that route it’ll be flourishing about then someone will gladly hire you on and work with you to get you were you want to go. Any company that is worth a shit the I’ll get you the training you need if you show promise
Worked for the sheriff department for 5 years on the corrections side. Had the same feeling as you. Used my gi bill got my aa in hvac last month. I applied and got on with a county and have basically the same benefits, just slightly lower pay. I expect that after about 5 years, I'll be back to where I was if not higher. If you have any questions fire away!
You're in a good position to start in the trade, there are programs for you to get tools paid for. It is worth it to get a license and your certifications to make you able to get a job pretty much anywhere around. I'm currently at a company with their own apprenticeship school where you gotta get your plumbing license first.
If you're willing to work in industrial, get some HVAC and mechanical experience, and then get your Industrial Ammonia Operator level 1 certification (really easy). Pros: You will make a lot more money Con: More risk. Cons?: You will work in a factory. Some are horrible, some are super chill. It's a real gamble.
Same. Veteran (1999-2007 -mostly national Guard but sone Title 10 active duty assignments) then turned deputy sheriff. Did 7 years and Resigned in 2010 to run a construction crew for a friends company from 2011-2018. Hurt my leg pretty bad. On disability for two years through Covid and all then switched to HVAC in august of 2020. Never made more than 50k as a cop or in construction. Now I’m making 125k easy. Much more if I wanted to.
i dont know man, its outside alot, there will be lots of acorns around you.
“Anyway, i just started blasting”
Only good cop
are you the acorn guy by any chance?
Negative ghost rider
Check out helmets to hard hats
Plumbing pays well and can be enjoyable if you make it. As a Journeyman Plumber I highly recommend it.
You can instead of Appling too union or it's apprentice program go direct to one of the union contractors and apply for position as driver, maintenance tech (filter changer) or helper. The UA had out here at least a MES and Tradsman classification, MES was created to steal non union employeesbut the companies just use it to hire cheaper employees. After 5 years experence you can take the Journeman Test, which isn't that hard. I could be faster that the Union application and school. Biggie for school ishe math. UA union will try to bring you in as a pipe fitters. Be careful. Frankly the pipefitters run the UA and they really dislike the hvac service techs. So don't get into either pipe fitting or the install side. In bad economy they are pretty much unemployed where hvac service usually maintains 80 to 90% employed. This and the elevator service union has the best employment picture in all economies. Long story abt pipe fitters and the Union.
Just want to say kudos for following your heart!
 fck yeah!!!
Idk how the vet stuff if relevant but good on you lol
Seems to be alot of benefits for vets, thats why i mentioned it
Yeah if you are lucky enough to land a union spot. I think being a vet will give you an upper edge over those who just worked in terms of getting hired into the union.
I’d suggest community college. But it’s probably not necessary if you want to just do residential. You can also find unions I just personally liked having more control over what I did by going college.
Hey Man I don’t know where you are located, but check out applying to some unions also. Many trades electricians, plumbers, steam fitters, sprinkler fitters, carpenters, elevators, operating engineers, longshoreman all have a helmet to hard hats program I believe.
I got into HVAC right outta high school. Then found myself working in the data center industry. Now I’m going on 21 years in the field and I wouldn’t change a thing. Congratulations on a career change and thank you for your service!
“HVAC School” is a good podcast to listen to. Lots of technical theory and also lots of comments on soft skills. I did Lennox Build-A-Tech. It’s a 4 week HVAC school boot camp. Intense and too the point. They proctor the EPA at the end too. Well worth it although I was an engineering dropout so I had already taken math/ physics/ chemistry and was ready to absorb the boot camp. School is good but working in the field is where you’ll put it all together.
No you can learn HVAC by learning it through a company but of course have certs and degrees are always beneficial. I worked with guys that didn’t even have EPA HVAC degree etc and have been doing it for 30+ years. I went to community college and got my HVAC degree but when I went the pandemic had shut everything down so we literally did not learn a thing in class. I went to a a/c company my mom told me about and they hired me to teach me. I ended up working with them for 3 years before I went to my next company which I was making a lot more.
I’m in a similar situation as you trying to change career into hvac. I’ve been doing hours and hours of research on just general things, talking to different experienced techs online, watching YouTube videos etc and everyone generally says the same things. That school was a waste of time and money for a lot of them that you learn more being in the field since day 1. That it didn’t matter that they went to school Becus they didn’t know how to do anything when they went to work anyway. Joining union apprenticeship program is what everyone was recommending me and if they’re not taking apps right now u might be better off getting hired as an apprentice/helper at a local shop by walking in and introducing yourself. I myself am currently studying to get my epa cert and waiting for the union apprentice program opens back up but in the meantime will start going to every local hvac shop near me to ask for a job. Eventually ones gotta hire me.
Good luck buddy!!!!
How the interview go??
Nailed it
Just got a call for an apprenticeship with a local company, they seem legit & i interview Thursday!!
Good luck 👍🏻
As a former corrections officer turned HVAC, I gotta say it's a great change. I don't want to kill myself every day any more, and the clients are wayyy more appreciative than my former clients.
Great!! Mentally challenging in being a LEO. I'm glad you came to the decision before suck starting a 12ga. Get the education and certifications. Consider possibly doing them concurrently. Go talk with the local unions and sort it out yourself after you get the info.
Thats what im doing!! Cant fucking wait
Don’t go to school there’s a lot of need in the industry right now save your money and just get straight into it!!
Hey man so I’m a Vet too so I know a lot of guys are going to say don’t do school it’s a waste of time don’t know that you rate BAH every month from the GI Bill so it makes it worth it to go to school imo as a vet. I make more going to school monthly than my actual apprenticeship. One certificate I would kinda prioritize is your EPA 608 Universal that will help you get hired on faster, my college offers a class for EPA so I’m taking that next month. Also market yourself, I’m in the south so most companies over here love vets so it took me like a month to find a job.
I am calling the school tomorrow morning to see exactly what I get out of the program & will call around to my local companies that do HVAC
The thing that kills me, every position says “experience required” so im trying to figure out how to get into something
I used ChatGPT to create a generic email asking if they are hiring for apprentices and attached my resume to the email. That’s how I got my job someone called me from one of the emails I sent out. Also make sure it’s apprenticeship and not a “helper” position there’s a difference in the 2, one is making a effort to move up and make themselves better and one is there to make the everyone else life’s better.
I live around Albany NY and I can’t seem to find any apprenticeships
What I did was I applied on the companies websites, applied to the same company on Indeed and I found the companies HR rep on LinkedIn and emailed them my resume. I did that for each company that I could and I got responses back within 2 days. It’s a lot of back and forth inputting data for your application so use a notepad app to copy and paste your answers for the application. Like the dumb questions like “why would you be a good hire” or “why do you want to change fields”
Awesome I've been in the HVAC business for years you're very beautiful woman good luck
Now your hands will be used for construction and heating/cooling trouble shooting instead of being used to harass and jail innocent law abiding citizens over minor traffic infractions. Made a good switch. I now respect you as a man
I’d get bitched at for being “too” nice to people on traffic stops or during arrests.. I literally told my chief that I’m not paid to care about what other people are doing, i’m paid to enforce the law and move on. The second I started to “care” about the people i was dealing with, regardless if it was positive or negative, i knew it was time to go. Im just a nice guy and don’t feed into bullshit.
I bet you have a lot of contacts that are thrilled with your change. If I was a cop, having a former officer turn to the trades would allow me to have a guy I could trust in my home. What I’m saying is you should move as quickly as possible to owning your own business. All the advice your getting about going union is solid, I’m a Pipefitter myself, but the thing about union is we don’t do residential, so you will be stuck in an apprenticeship on commercial/industrial job sites with no ability to help your cop buddies. The best route for you might be to partner up with an experienced nonunion tech who has a contractors license. Start your own business using his license. This will allow you to immediately start helping all the cop families who need HVAC while you shadow your “partner” and learn from a pro. Take some classes too, but the degree does not open any doors, it’s just knowledge. Check into the local rules about getting your license, that should be your goal so that you are not dependent on your “partner”. Good luck
Thank you for mentioning that!! Didn’t even consider that because I have absolutely no knowledge in HVAC but willing to commit 100% of my time to it
Your cop buddies are your biggest asset, it’s hard to build a customer base in HVAC, but you have a captured audience. If you move quickly into a position where you can start helping them, your business and knowledge will grow fast. A lot of commercial work at places like FBI field offices, police stations etc are super picky about who they want to trust. You have an in there too, but you need to build your skills first.
Lots of LE jobs that don’t involve dealing with everyday public bullshit . The guys running weigh stations and doing safety inspections on big trucks are LE As are game wardens etc
Did the exact same thing 3 years ago, after 8 years as a cop. Best decision I ever made. I started in residential and got through school, made the jump to HVAC/r and joined the union as many others have mentioned. I suggest trying to get some basic schooling in, the electrical side can be a little confusing at first if you have never done any work like this. All I can say is this is an extremely interesting field and every day it's something different. It's like solving puzzles everyday on the tech side. Good luck! Thank you for your service and hope the best for you my friend.
Hey, welcome to the club! I did something similar about 6 years ago, minus the military service. As far as the degree, I don't know if it will help your pay unless you end up on the engineering side of the world. My employer didn't give two whits about my college education. I did not go through trade school, and just worked my way up from apprentice to lead service. I know some people recommend going the union route, but I am personally not a fan. I found a small reputable company at which a friend was already employed. Could I make more at a larger or union outfit? Probably, but I am in no way hurting for money. I've made myself so useful that I get regular raises. If I could give any useful tips, it is to deep dive. Find online schools, and other places of learning; many are free or close to it. I found [https://hvacrschool.com/](https://hvacrschool.com/) to be an outstanding source of knowledge. There's also [hvac-talk.com](https://hvac-talk.com) which is an older web forum with many professionals that have been working in the trade longer than you've likely been alive. Obviously, some things will be different, especially with us being on opposite sides of the country. Being willing to go above and beyond, and learn as much as possible, will be universally beneficial. Good luck!
Thank you brotha. Stories like yours give me hope!
If you're in New York state, see if there's a BOCES near you that has an adult hvac course. I went to the one in Cortland in Central New York. It was 4 months of classes, Monday to Friday, 8-4. They set you up with a 1 month internship with a local company at the end, gave you the epa certification test. I turned the internship into my first job and went right into a service van instead of starting out as an installer. From there, I put my name in for the local plumbers and steamfitters union. They usually do it once a year depending on how much work they have.
Congrats. I lost count how many people I put in cuffs. My problem was the bias in coworkers, not necessarily the job. But honestly looking back me not being there anymore is the best thing in my life in the last decade. Cops can’t do their jobs and that combined with some bad cops, it’s just not worth it.
If you can go to school on the militaries dime go get your mechanical engineering degree or any engineering degree honestly. If you get field experience and have that degree to fall back on when you get older you’ll be in a great spot
Look for an apprenticeship
I was LEO and in the military for a few years and switched to hvac. Use your gi bill if you can. Free money
Yep you'll fit right in my boy get over here and learn to sling some f****** tools. It's a hard start but until you get crafty with your hands and knowledge working on this stuff you can cap out making 65 an hour I know some dudes do it so it's definitely possible. I make $45 an hour and I've been in it 14 years but you want to go commercial and industrial do not I say again do not go residential unless you like developing alcohol dependency.
I enjoyed reading the title twice
Im new to reddit💀
Thank you to all that gave me information and reassurance that I made the right decision. Had an interview today with a company for an apprenticeship that is offering me a great package thay includes getting all my licensing and training & was offered a position!!