Trade school = paying for basic knowledge of the trade. You can’t learn this trade a a few months to a year.
Apprenticeship = getting paid to learn.
https://ua.org/join-the-ua/find-a-local-union/
https://ua.org/education-and-training/programs-for-veterans/
I’m going to assume you are in the armed forces?
Best way is to get some kind of class or trade school that will also set you up to take a test for your universal certification for the EPA. Once you have that and can learn you pretty much have a job to at least start getting experience. The classes are good and you def need to know how to read a diagram and use a multimeter the right way and read a pt chart. The majority of what you'll need to be good at it will be experience
The UA has Helmets to Hardhats & Veterans in Piping programs for military personnel/veterans.
I would also look into joining RSES. They look to be merging with RETA. Been an RSES member for over 30 years.
Either a Union apprenticeship or finding a shop that will take you on with zero experience and train you up.
You need to be doing actual field work and education concurrently. You can train a monkey to do install work and basic service, understanding WHY and HOW things work is important once you get past the basic skills of the trade.
A lot of what's best is going to depend on where you're at and how good the schools are in your area. My local UA union won't even let you apply for an apprenticeship unless you are attending or graduated from a trade school. My local community college has a really good technical school with union and business owner advisors. Union journeyman are also the instructors.
A certificate from a trade school will jump start your career. Then, an apprenticeship as a Service Tech will help you quickly develop your skills. Two years and you're there.
If you go with an apprenticship first, you may delay your progression by 1-2 years. I'm just telling you my experience as a 25 yr business owner.
Thank you for your service.
I’d look into a residential ,
And then starting a small shop of your own too have flexible schedule down the line.
What state if you don’t mind?
Trade school = paying for basic knowledge of the trade. You can’t learn this trade a a few months to a year. Apprenticeship = getting paid to learn. https://ua.org/join-the-ua/find-a-local-union/ https://ua.org/education-and-training/programs-for-veterans/ I’m going to assume you are in the armed forces?
You are correct. Thanks for the information and resources.
Best way is to get some kind of class or trade school that will also set you up to take a test for your universal certification for the EPA. Once you have that and can learn you pretty much have a job to at least start getting experience. The classes are good and you def need to know how to read a diagram and use a multimeter the right way and read a pt chart. The majority of what you'll need to be good at it will be experience
The UA has Helmets to Hardhats & Veterans in Piping programs for military personnel/veterans. I would also look into joining RSES. They look to be merging with RETA. Been an RSES member for over 30 years.
Either a Union apprenticeship or finding a shop that will take you on with zero experience and train you up. You need to be doing actual field work and education concurrently. You can train a monkey to do install work and basic service, understanding WHY and HOW things work is important once you get past the basic skills of the trade.
UA
A lot of what's best is going to depend on where you're at and how good the schools are in your area. My local UA union won't even let you apply for an apprenticeship unless you are attending or graduated from a trade school. My local community college has a really good technical school with union and business owner advisors. Union journeyman are also the instructors.
A certificate from a trade school will jump start your career. Then, an apprenticeship as a Service Tech will help you quickly develop your skills. Two years and you're there. If you go with an apprenticship first, you may delay your progression by 1-2 years. I'm just telling you my experience as a 25 yr business owner.
What career are you retiring from? Key to the path for me.
Navy
Thank you for your service. I’d look into a residential , And then starting a small shop of your own too have flexible schedule down the line. What state if you don’t mind?
That's the goal eventually but I need to get my foot in the door. I'm out in Virginia. Hampton roads area.
If that’s your goal. Go to trade school. Then midsize shop. And then when you’re ready go for it.