This makes me feel better, I just got out of school and was assuming I was supposed to retain everything. This takes pressure off my shoulders for sure.
Dude I am in my last semester and kind of scared. Like I’m eager to start working but I’m worried I didn’t retain a good portion of it I think. I’m even on high honors every semester and I’m still nervous to go out in the field.
Do like he says. Pay attention and don't act like you know anything. I've been doing this for 15yrs and like he said. Takes times guys. Watch Listen and Learn. Keep your mouth shut and do as your told and you will learn it.
I didn’t go to school and I don’t regret it. It was harder for me to get hired on at first but all I needed was one shop to give me a chance to work very hard and learn from them. A lot of the beginning really sucked to be honest but it’s getting better. If I can start out with not knowing the difference between a crescent wrench and channel locks and having one hammer and two screw drivers...you definitely can too.
@@sweatynreadyhot6915you only need type 2 for residential HVAC but I recommend you get the universal license because if you wanna do chillers at all it will let you do that as well.
My foreman told me that becoming a journeyman only means that you’re now ALLOWED to learn and ALLOWED to work in the field. I’m starting to understand what he meant by that... My advice to the young bucks out there is to not worry about the money because the money will come, with time and experience. Carry tools, volunteer to hit the crawl spaces, buy some fucking coffee here and there and keep your eyes and ears open.
I'm not in HVAC, but i just got a job from retail into a water/fire reconstruction business. I watch all you HVAC guys because of the good advice and suggestions made. Thanks
What you said about "The more you know the harder the work gets" is a very true statement. I've been in this for 25 years now and the work is harder because you go into the jobs most can't figure out, but that can be pretty satisfying when you do get it fixed.
One struggle I’ve had is the fact that I’m trying to get into the trades at 31 having already lost 8 years potentially, even though I only decided on this not too long ago, but it bothers me that I won’t be out of an apprenticeship until I’m 35. It’s not something I can change but it still bothers me that I found my interest in this so late. That’s the price of not knowing what to do after you’re out of high school. I didn’t want to be in debt for a college degree I wasn’t going to use and I bummed around ultimately shitty bottom dollar jobs for eight years. For you younger guys: figure it out now. If it’s your passion take it and run like hell but don’t bump around retail and manual labor for a decade. Get something real that you can make a part of your life vs something you can’t wait to leave at the end of every day.
you said it bro, ill be 31 by the time im done my course and co op, working full time living on my own since 19 just recently decided enough is enough.. keep your head up man
Do you mind sharing how you got your apprenticeship school? Or hired? I’m 31 now and agree with what you’re saying. Finally got my CDL to make more money after bottom dollar jobs. I want to go into electrician/hvac or plumbing. Thanks
A lot of good points in this video. I hate when I see guys using the help as tool chasers though... yeah the right helper might be smart and ambitious enough to pick up on things and learn things but the average person might not. Any technician that doesn't put their helper to work and teach them the trade is holding them back. The only way to learn is to do.
I’m 6 months into my first year in the field, I make $17.00 an hour and I go on every ductwork call, every cleaning, preventative maintenance, and fuckin long distance “we just installed this unit last week and they aren’t *insert random issue here* can you run to the supply house and grab this and go handle this repair” call and I go to night classes STILL from 5:30pm to 10:30pm and I have 3 more months of class. It sucks so bad I’m a zombie, my wife is 27 weeks pregnant with our first, so theirs no choice for me I’m gonna learn this shit if it kills me and earn every damn stripe. I live out in Lawrence, MA and work for a company in Haverhill, MA and I’m glad you made this video cuz when I tell people how much I make an hour and what I go through they look at me crazy but I just have faith that this trade will provide for me and my family and I’ll always have an ESSENTIAL JOB.
Good for you brotha 👍. It’s certainly not easy but you are doing the right thing. I’ve done all the stuff you are doing now man. Hang in there and it’ll pay off in the long run
I’m 35 been an installer done a few years of service work on residential but some form of HVAC for 13 years and finally got a company to give me a shot as a refrigeration man I’m coming in low 20s/HR and as a PM/Assistant after being lead for years but I don’t care I’m so excited to finally be given a chance everything I know and learned was on the job trial and a lot of error never even finished high school but I love trouble shooting taking shit apart and fixing anything that breaks and over the past 2 years been dying for this opportunity to prove to myself and a company I can do this and want to do this I can’t take the mind numbing feeling of residential HVAC work anymore I want to grow and challenge myself and the future income increase isnt hurting lol
Hey thanks for laying it on the line. Great info Monday is going to be my first day on the job as an hvac tech apprenticeship so wish me luck. The joke is that i am a retired Aerospace Giant manager; so I’m old as hell. Here goes nothing guys, whatever that means!
“You gotta pay your dues” keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. Thanks for telling it like it is. I’m 58 and still at it. Everyday is a school day.
Great video Chris, 30+ years and still learning. Kids today want everything handed to them and don’t understand what it is to work hard. You have to earn the respect from the seasoned guys. Too many cocky attitudes out their thinking they are the best.
I wouldn't say they want EVERYTHING handed to them. I'm 25 and attending a 10 month program to be an HVAC/R technician while I'm working 80 hours a week. Some guys don't understand the value of hard work, and do expect to have everything handed to them. However most of us are willing and able to put in the extra time because a lot of us understand the value of the knowledge that can be learned in this field.
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac I mean these people are acting like boomers by saying oh kids these days don’t work and are lazy this and they want everything handed to them blah blah blah when in reality they had it way easier back in their day and kids these days don’t act like that sure some do but not the majority so when people act like that it just shows how uneducated and ignorant they are so essentially it’s a modern day insult
Totally agree. Just got rid of a helper who had ADD. And a religion that would not allow medication. He said he wanted to become a chiller technician and make $300 an hour. I told him he watched too much RUclips lol. He wanted me to teach him. I told him he had to focus to learn the trade and he couldn’t do that with his ADD thing. First job he had was to bring me a 10ft ladder. He brought an 8ft. So right off the bat we had issues. I told him how much pressure there was in a nitrogen tank and to not stand it up ,always lay it down. It can’t fall if it’s laying down. I found it standing on the bumper of my van. With the regulator on. We had the talk again. The 5th time we had the talk was my last. I sent him back to the office. This job is dangerous enough without stupid stuff happening. I’m willing to teach this trade to anyone willing to learn. Problem I have with this generation is there head is looking down at the phone rather than up to learn. I had a problem with a VFD cycling through local to remote. I got on my phone and looked it up. I look over my helper looking down playing a game. I said “one of us is learning” smh.
I just jumped into refrigeration at 39 years old. My boss offered to pay me 16/hour. I told him i rrally dont know shit. Id be more comfortable at 14/hour. He knows im not here for the money and im here to learn so he'll be a little more patient with me and teach me. Ill be at 20 + in less than 6 months as long as i keep learning.
I was told by a guy who started his own company, that the school really wasn't worth it. You pay 10 grand for 9 months of stuff you could learn in 3 months on the job, getting paid.
i learned what trades were the end of my junior year of high school and im a guy who likes working with my hands. Now I graduated as of Tuesday and I plan on trying to get on an apprentice program. Im social, have extremely good customer service, a learning mentality bc theres always something to learn. I enjoy the talks you guys are giving us bc its helping me out a lot!
Motivation, I l love it!! I’m 21, I graduate in May for HVAC school! God willing I make it to May because can’t take anything/any day for granted!! I appreciate every piece of advice!
@@MrAngel2U I’m doing good man and of course, yes sir I am still on the path and will forever will be until it is my time!! Right now I am on Christ break learning HVAC and reading books about it! Do it man this trade is great and you learn every single day!
@@diantewilson4114 what do you think of working independently / working for yourself right after training? Are there techs that do that? Or do you find most new grads working for established AC companies(right out of training)?
@@MrAngel2U I wouldn’t start off working independently. Me, personally I will be working under someone for 3-4 years then more than likely God Willing have my own company!! Like 90% of the new grads work under an established company!!
Excellent advice. Allow me to give your viewers an example Chris. I live in Canada and do A LOT of furnace work. I think the first time I ever replaced an inducer motor on a furnace it took me an hour and twenty minutes, yesterday I changed an inducer motor, including unpacking my tools and packing up my tools the entire job took eight minutes... now, which technician would be more valuable to your boss? The didn’t have a clue Karl technician when he was starting out 12 years ago or the today Karl technician that gets the job done quickly and without mistakes? Experience can’t be taught in school, it has to be earned working on the tools. And for all the new guys out there, I still learn new things every day on the job, I still take RSES & RETA & ASHRAE & HRAI courses, and I still read a ton of technical manuals from Emerson, Sporlan, Heatcraft, Hoshizaki, etc. etc. To get good and become proficient in this or any other trade takes time and dedication. Thanks for the video!
Great vid for newbys. I been in the trade since mid 80s. When I started in field right out of tech school went out with boss one day then was on my own from that point running service calls by myself. You never stop learning the trade especially now days with all the new tech tools we did not have back in the day.
Oldtime Heating Service Damn, you must have made one hell of an impressive impression on your boss way back then in the 80’s because my boss told me it will be 3 years before he sends me out solo. My hat is definitely off to you Sir. Wish me luck, i start the day after tomorrow.!
Great advice. I’ve been in the trade since 1973 and an instructor for 34 years and I’m still learning new stuff . I find a lot of the new guys are cocky, think they know it all, and have seen everything, even before they are journeyman. The trade changes rapidly and no one will ever know it all.
Iv been in the trade coming on 3 years and I would love to learn from a guy like you. Most guys in the company I'm with hate teaching. Everything I've learned was from watching them and then doing it the next time with out them even seeing it. Puts a smile on their face knowing how quick I picked it up.
On the other side of this don’t just give your time away to some company that isn’t putting you in a position to learn, and actually be working TOWARDS what or wherever you want to get to. You’re only as good as what you’ve worked on, or picked up along the way. It’s not a good look to be presumptuous and expect a lot up front, but keep in mind that though there will be many years in your career, you only get to do it once. You should make your boss aware that they have you on a basis of “ use me or lose me”, or “help me grow or watch me go” lol. Don’t be pigeonholed into a position with a low ceiling, that doesn’t offer much opportunity to make progress and advance in the trade.
Hey you old bastard!! Petruzzi still loves ya!!! Keep teaching,keep putting out videos!! Believe it or not there is still hope for the future of this trade!! You are doing a great service. Where I am now, I was hired to “help and mentor the younger guys”. Now that does not mean age. There are guys trying this in their 30s and 40s. If I’m at a call and someone needs help and I can help them, 2 calls are done at once. In your videos talk about how easy it is today with ALL this connectivity to information. We are only a model number away from Tech support or a PDF of a unit. Keep it up brother!! Jason T Petruzzi
You're a straight shooter Chris, you tell it like it is! I know you're a Humble guy, but your employer is VERY FORTUNATE to have a tech like you!!! You're DAMN GOOD AT YOUR TRADE! Cheers from Napa California! Keep up the good videos Chris!! 👍👍
I started out as a helper when I was 18 years old and I ran with the Van's for a year but I learned a lot I got a better job when I was 20 years old working as a handyman for 26 an hour in an apartment building and loved it I did that for 5 years and now at 25 years old I just moved over in to a commercial building as a mechanic and am making 37 an hour I will be getting my refrigeration license so I can move up to engineer. But you are right I put my time in I bust my ass I learn and I grow I wish more guys my age could do that.
Lot of transformers brother. 25 years and I’m still learning and taking classes. One more year to go my friend. Great video. And yes I still don’t know anything even though I make $40 per hour. Thanks Chris. Miss Boston. Happy thanksgiving brother. God bless.
I just started in the class but it’s great hearing from someone else who knows and actually being honest. I’m only 19 & the most I ever made was 12 dollars an hour 😂 I was working in the mall but yeah I got my mind all in this triad 💯
I came out of FMIT out of Fort Myers Florida. Monday thru Friday, 7:30 to 3:30PM for a year and a half for refrigeration and HVAC. Had to work at night to do this. I came out making good money. I did maintenance for a two weeks starting out. They tried me on service to see what I could do. I barely know a lot, I may never at that. However, my first three month of service I condemned and replaced TXVs, boards, compressors, frequency drives for evaporator fan motors, capillary tubes, controls. The fundamentals will lead you closer to the "truth". Not a single man on the planet will master refrigeration, the first so called "Law of thermodynamics" won't allow it.
I'm in school right now and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. It can be very intimidating. I try to just take in what I can take in.
I just entered first semester classed in hvac school, and theres lots of science to cover, but once it begins to seek in , it isn't all that bad, and not to mention the electrical classes lol, but hey just between you and me its fun, its a million time better than flipping burgers. good luck.
School is a great lway to get experience, and build a little confidence, and knowledge with what is HVAC/R, the tools you'll use, and you'll atleast do everything once. If anyone is new (like me) learn everything about the electrical side as you can. Remember the E.A.R. meathod (electrical, air, refrigeration) (70%/20%/10%) but also keep in mind that school and actually being in the trade is like day and night!
Thanx for the video brother. What u say is nothing but the truth. I went to school back in 2013, got my 608 cert and been in the trade for 4 years. There is sooooooo much to this trade, many have no idea! Every day I'm learning something and you will always learn something as long as you want to. You HAVE to want to do this in order to make it. You can't fake it in this field!
About to go into the Union apprenticesip at 46yr. young, i know there's always lots to learn and hard work ahead. But you know its you guys who are uploading these videos sharing knowledge is what motivated me to leave my stable job as a maintenance engineer at hotel to fully learn this trade full time. Thanks to you all who care so much for this trade, that you all take time to upload videos, I think that's just awesome, it does really help out us new guys, and im sure old timers too. But yes what you say is true the younger generation just don't want to work and I think that's why this trade is short of good workers. This is another reason i jumping in, there is demand. So keep sharing because you all are a big asset to the trade to keep it from not falling apart. I just found you channel and your a great teacher. Thank you very much!!
APR928 he my man thank you appreciate the kind words . And yes this trade is very short on good workers. And congrats about the apprentice program. Good luck with it man 👍👍
Jorge be badass. Strive everyday to go above and beyond. Fix the system not the symptoms. Stay away from mediocre mechanics. Surround yourself with bad ass mother fuckers. It’s contagious. Fuck COVID!
Thanx brotha, hammered it. We all started out green, carrying tools and being the guy laying in the slush, or oatmeal insulation. We’ve come a long way my friend. As my gramps always told me “you can’t be old and wise without being young and stupid” keep up the good work man
Brother thank you for the truth. That's is what being a leader is all about. Hey the truth hurts but if you dont hear it you'll never learn. It takes time like all things. But you gotta listen and pay attention. All the best brother in all you do 👍
You are very right about what they say in school I’m in school right now in North Andover and all the instructors say when you get out and working you will make a ton of money right off the bat and they teach just the basics
If you're new and wonder why all the older guys are grumpy assholes, now you know why. The job is hard and years of it can weigh down on you. I'm 5 years in and about to finish my apprenticeship. Those years of grinding are starting to pay off. I know a lot more than I did the first year and I've gained a lot of respect for my work ethic and ability to learn and put it to use. It's definitely not easy the first few years are hard and you aren't making top dollar but it's worth the push. Nice to hear you being straight with people 👍
Thanks for the information. I am currently taking HVACR classes online and its difficult. I'm going to reach out to a few companies in the area to see if I can shadow them, or be a tool guy. I know that the hands on is everything. Thanks again.
I agree I went to school for hvacr and I over hear these instructors says oh you'll be making 45 bucks an hour like no ur not ur going to start at the minimum they make things sound mote then what it is ! Takes a long time to get good at it !
shadowed a boss today in nyc and pulled strainers out of cooling tower pumps, i hope he gives me the shot/job. a lot of people never have seemed to hear the saying "hard work beats talent if talent dont work hard " so just give it everything you got. Shut the fuck up figure out the tools figure shit out eyeball the tech, whoever you're with. have tools organized organize a van for your boss, etc... my brother is a 24 year old plumber 6 years in and tells me all this. youtube, books, and school can teach you things but it will never ever compare to in the field experience. hope to start this new chapter in my life at 20 and will do it humble and motivated to be the best at it. this video gave. me the boost i needed. thank you boss.
I work in hvac now for 8 months and I am starting to change my mind and go work at a different trait, I do installs and I am not liking that is seasonal, and the no hours, this happen as well being tech not always 40 hours
Nicholas R yes unfortunately it can be very slow in the winter . Most trades can be that way. It also depends on the company as well and how much work there is. My work is slow every winter so I do snow plowing too , to help make up the lost money
Nicholas R it can be like that anywhere man. But bigger companies will also have more customers and more pm stuff to keep busy with if your in the service end . It’s just the nature of the trade. In a other month it’ll be busy again I’m sure. It will be here anyway
It’s really good stuff. I can’t emphasize enough to keep a sense of humility and willingness to do whatever it takes and learn. The money doesn’t come immediately necessarily but understand this… Keep at it put in the work keep an open mind do what you’re told and ask questions and the money will come and there is no limit. That’s just the truth.
After I started working for a commercial ref company...I decided to go to a school....boss said it would be a waste....& it was a waste of 1400 fn bucks...I was the only guy in that class who was actually working in the field....if u go to a union school then that's a real hvac school.........being fit & drug free is a big plus as well when picking this trade.....another point & just personal opinion....definitely go commercial......F**k residential.....good video....
i agree 100% with what you said...i graduated school 19 years ago and was thrown to the wolves in commercial HVAC/R making $12 an hour....still paying dues and coming across new stuff i never saw before...the newer guys cant handle jobs then it goes to the veteran guys...been busting my ass for 19 years...you gotta be a worker in this business
Great video. When I started hvac school I had already started training at my job and learned more at the job than at school, you are correct when you say that when these guys get out of school they know nothing. Been in the trade for 2 years now and still learning.
Steven Boswell thanks man. Yes you will always learn things always change in this business or you will see something you’ve never seen. No one will ever know it all in this trade there’s to many aspects of the trade
I tell younger guys. The only difference between a trade school newbie and a non trade school newbie. Both are starting from square one. The trade school guy may have a slight rolling start into it and can hopefully progress a bit faster. But yes I agree, blood ,sweat , and tears Is the only way to to go to the next level. School does not put you at that next level. It’s not for the faint at heart. Nice video.
@@hunkydude322 usually you start off as a helper on installs. Supply houses have training classes that you can go to after work once a month your company will usually pay for. If you're hungry and serious about HVAC the senior techs will be more than willing to help you out but this can take years
@@brandonbenson5176 I understand what you mean. But I made good grades in high school and got grants to go to tech school that pays for 90% of it I wanted to take advantage of that and at least get some kind of post secondary education
My dad always told me, a hard days work never killed anybody. I was rasied on a farm and worked like a borrowed mule lol. Too many kids nowadays have been told all their lives that they deserve everything that everyone else has and not have to work for it. It's a shame, but thats what this country has come to. Great job as always Chris, keep the videos coming.
I thought that there would be a line people wanting to pay me $25hr right after school. I made less than I did before paying for school working in a factory. It did pay off.
@@bradgreen5938 I 1st started in install. Damn that is horrible. In the attic all day everyday. Then I started apt maintenance because I didn't have any experience to get a service tech position. I was making $13 at 1st then worked my way up to nearly $25. Property management is too much stress. Nearly 9 years later I'm full hvac only making $19. Location has lots to do with it. I'm in FL and hvac techs are dime a dozen. I don't work off commission. I make all kinds of mistakes and running into things that I never saw in apt maintenance. I will make more but the company is tolerating my mistakes and their helping me learn. But yes go for it. There are different types of schools for hvac. Mine was nearly a waste.
You mention the hard times. So many of those SMH. How about the times the seasoned tech has screwed up and has for instance....fried a $1000 board that's 2 weeks out. (Me earlier this week btw). Might make a good talk. Keep em coming buddy and stay warm
I ain't asking for the world but some horror stories are scary regarding pay, definitely not expecting 45 bucks an hour straight out of school ha but also ain't trying to be working for 5 years and still working towards 20$ an hour it ain't flipping burgers But I will soon see finishing up trade school now and then starting into my HVAC journey (non union) I am excited
I own a my own company in California for 17 yrs have 23 guys but always looking to expand so when I interview newbies from school they say I want $25 hour I say ok your a well skilled tech sounds like what are the 5 colors at the thermostat and there functions ? (Newbie)Uhh red is 24 and blue is fan and uhh white is ground umm what difference does it make I graduate hvac technical school top of my class and I have cert so I want 25 hr ! My response is that 20k you just paid for schooling didn’t do jack for you and your certs don’t mean nothing to me if you can’t even wire in a thermostat out of school ! Nexxxxxt ! And best of luck to you out there .
Great video and great advice. What advice do you have for a guy fresh out of school with four months commercial pm experience who can’t find another job in hvac to save his life? Trying to hang in there. Thanks. Be safe out there.
Rob Brown hmmmmm I’m not really sure man cuz all the places I know are dying for help. I’d say just keep looking and put your resume out there , maybe even just go to local companies and walk in the door and ask if they are hiring
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac thanks man. Didn’t think you’d respond. I been trying that too. But I’ll keep looking. I’m here in Florida. They say the demand is high but the old heads don’t want to train anyone. My classmates have the same problem. I’m no youngster so being the stereotypical millennial isn’t my problem. All the job postings say “3/5 years of experience!” But a guy can’t get the experience of you don’t hire him! If I don’t find something I’ll do side work and build my knowledge base till something shakes.
The new guys with zero experience and zero schooling and think that they are on par or with the journeyman and techs within a matter of weeks are out there, and they just blow my mind with their arrogance. I call them THE MASTER-APPRENTICE. Some of these whackos even think that they are in charge and try to give orders after only a few weeks. And one weirdo did this on his FIRST DAY! 6 weeks later he seriously told me that he had taken over management of the company, OMG 😆
those folks have an ego problem is all, a person that attends a good vocational school will learn the ins and outs of the trade, these others that are supposedly learning with out schooling are just seeing the icing on the cake is all. once an individual gets a good vocational education he can really climb the ladder, and he or she doesn't have to explain that to no one. the proof is in the pudding as they say.
I'm not in HVAC, But as i've explained to my son.. Ya cant just jump in and think yeah,,,$80/hr as an electrician!! NNoooo Sir!! Learn and earn my boy!! 'Yall got one of the most demanding jobs.. Qaulity shows your worth.. Appreciate you all!!
I’m currently in enrolled in an HVAC program I’m still learning something new in this field everyday, and I’m still willing to learn when I get out of school thank you for bring blunt lol
Jordan Cramer not worthless , but they are green and don’t know anything about how things actually work in real life in the field . At least from what I’ve seen
Manitowoc NEO undercounter ice machine. Bad Water thermistor would confuse the board on second harvest. It's not in the service manual. Had me stuck for 2 hours on a Friday evening with no tech support. Arggghhh! Live and learn.
This is true. Its been like that for years. Young kids want it all, and some don't want to work for it, to earn it. They will learn, work, and then move up to the BIG BUCK. How's that Tobin Bridge that you ride on. Look like you were heading north to Revere. How you get back to more videos. I like them. From one yankee to another, lets get it done kid. Enjoy your lobstah!!!!!
30 years doing hvac and can't wait to retire. I have worked for numerious companies and only one treated me with respect and paid me what I thought was fair for my skill level. Would have stayed there if my wife did not have health reasons and we had to move. It's been down hill since then. Every employer thinks every service job should be done in an hour or less. Doesn't happen sorry. The problem today is that many large companies are run by bean counters who have never been out in the field. Most of the owners have never been out in the field. All they see is spread sheets and sit in meetings. Getting out and never looking back.
Nothing is handed to you in the trades, everything is earned. You have to have the right mental attitude and aptitude and you must be willing to work from the very bottom upwards.
I don't mean this to come off as condescending, but why do people go into debt to go to HVAC school when they could get an entry level job in the field? Seems like a better option. You won't be making more money necessarily with a program under your belt. They want experience, more than school....
I usually don't teach anything to any helper till they show me they are hard workers . Don't care from which school they came or licence. And as you said , many people with years on the trade still don't know bunch of stuff and they are just pretending but at the time to get some shit done, up and running in decent time , they prove they know nothing.
Brother it aint just in your field, its everywhere. I work in EMS, and the new guys coming straight out of school with no experience think they know everything. What gets me the most is they want everything handed to them with no effort on thier part. Its like the mindset is to do the least amount of work for the most pay possible. They dont understand earning thier place.
These kids today want top dollar and don’t want to work any overtime. They also have smart phones to google or call a more experienced technician when in trouble. I’m in power generation field and when I started we had beepers no phones. We had no one to call you actually had to fix it.
I'd just like to get an opportunity to learn from someone experienced that will allow me to work alongside of them and allow me to make my own mistakes but will help me build on what I have learned from school.
@@Cscrefandhvac absolutely I get that I just want the most knowledge I can get from people who have done it for years and can help me do it all the right way.
this video is 5 years old. post covid labor market is a lot different. every HVAC and refrigeration company is begging for workers. they are willing to pay $25 to newbies.
This makes me feel better, I just got out of school and was assuming I was supposed to retain everything. This takes pressure off my shoulders for sure.
Dude I am in my last semester and kind of scared. Like I’m eager to start working but I’m worried I didn’t retain a good portion of it I think. I’m even on high honors every semester and I’m still nervous to go out in the field.
You’ll be re-learning it all in the field.
Do like he says. Pay attention and don't act like you know anything. I've been doing this for 15yrs and like he said. Takes times guys. Watch Listen and Learn. Keep your mouth shut and do as your told and you will learn it.
Me too. I graduated 2020 & JUST now getting my 1st company job that actually wanted to pay me
@@MafiosoMan dude same I scored a job a few months back. Didn’t work for me tho just found a new company yesterday
I didn’t go to school and I don’t regret it. It was harder for me to get hired on at first but all I needed was one shop to give me a chance to work very hard and learn from them. A lot of the beginning really sucked to be honest but it’s getting better.
If I can start out with not knowing the difference between a crescent wrench and channel locks and having one hammer and two screw drivers...you definitely can too.
How long did it take you to get your epa?
My company had a weekend class to help us but it isn’t a challenging certification to get honestly.
@@sweatynreadyhot6915you only need type 2 for residential HVAC but I recommend you get the universal license because if you wanna do chillers at all it will let you do that as well.
Appreciate the video, gonna be enrolling in HVAC soon. Good to see blunt and honest advice so people know exactly what they're getting into
My foreman told me that becoming a journeyman only means that you’re now ALLOWED to learn and ALLOWED to work in the field. I’m starting to understand what he meant by that...
My advice to the young bucks out there is to not worry about the money because the money will come, with time and experience. Carry tools, volunteer to hit the crawl spaces, buy some fucking coffee here and there and keep your eyes and ears open.
I'm not in HVAC, but i just got a job from retail into a water/fire reconstruction business. I watch all you HVAC guys because of the good advice and suggestions made. Thanks
Madhouse thanks bro. I appreciate thAt 👍
What you said about "The more you know the harder the work gets" is a very true statement. I've been in this for 25 years now and the work is harder because you go into the jobs most can't figure out, but that can be pretty satisfying when you do get it fixed.
Mike Henson absolutely. But it’s nice sometimes to get an “easy” job instead of constant nightmare jobs hahahhaha
@@Cscrefandhvac I agree with that too. lol
When in doubt, recover the system. My number one commandment for refrigeration.
One struggle I’ve had is the fact that I’m trying to get into the trades at 31 having already lost 8 years potentially, even though I only decided on this not too long ago, but it bothers me that I won’t be out of an apprenticeship until I’m 35. It’s not something I can change but it still bothers me that I found my interest in this so late. That’s the price of not knowing what to do after you’re out of high school. I didn’t want to be in debt for a college degree I wasn’t going to use and I bummed around ultimately shitty bottom dollar jobs for eight years. For you younger guys: figure it out now. If it’s your passion take it and run like hell but don’t bump around retail and manual labor for a decade. Get something real that you can make a part of your life vs something you can’t wait to leave at the end of every day.
you said it bro, ill be 31 by the time im done my course and co op, working full time living on my own since 19 just recently decided enough is enough.. keep your head up man
Man this is my story as well!
Do you mind sharing how you got your apprenticeship school? Or hired? I’m 31 now and agree with what you’re saying. Finally got my CDL to make more money after bottom dollar jobs. I want to go into electrician/hvac or plumbing. Thanks
If you found what you like what does it matter? Just take care of your body outside of work you’ll be good
I'll be 50 when I get out of my apprenticeship what's your point??? Just work bro
A lot of good points in this video. I hate when I see guys using the help as tool chasers though... yeah the right helper might be smart and ambitious enough to pick up on things and learn things but the average person might not. Any technician that doesn't put their helper to work and teach them the trade is holding them back. The only way to learn is to do.
Brad B absolutely right !
@@Cscrefandhvac being a tool chaser killed my motivation
I’m 6 months into my first year in the field, I make $17.00 an hour and I go on every ductwork call, every cleaning, preventative maintenance, and fuckin long distance “we just installed this unit last week and they aren’t *insert random issue here* can you run to the supply house and grab this and go handle this repair” call and I go to night classes STILL from 5:30pm to 10:30pm and I have 3 more months of class. It sucks so bad I’m a zombie, my wife is 27 weeks pregnant with our first, so theirs no choice for me I’m gonna learn this shit if it kills me and earn every damn stripe. I live out in Lawrence, MA and work for a company in Haverhill, MA and I’m glad you made this video cuz when I tell people how much I make an hour and what I go through they look at me crazy but I just have faith that this trade will provide for me and my family and I’ll always have an ESSENTIAL JOB.
Good for you brotha 👍. It’s certainly not easy but you are doing the right thing. I’ve done all the stuff you are doing now man. Hang in there and it’ll pay off in the long run
I’m 35 been an installer done a few years of service work on residential but some form of HVAC for 13 years and finally got a company to give me a shot as a refrigeration man I’m coming in low 20s/HR and as a PM/Assistant after being lead for years but I don’t care I’m so excited to finally be given a chance everything I know and learned was on the job trial and a lot of error never even finished high school but I love trouble shooting taking shit apart and fixing anything that breaks and over the past 2 years been dying for this opportunity to prove to myself and a company I can do this and want to do this I can’t take the mind numbing feeling of residential HVAC work anymore I want to grow and challenge myself and the future income increase isnt hurting lol
This video should be shown to every refrigeration technician in the country. Amen.
Sean Mack thanks man appreciate that 👍
Hey thanks for laying it on the line. Great info Monday is going to be my first day on the job as an hvac tech apprenticeship so wish me luck. The joke is that i am a retired Aerospace Giant manager; so I’m old as hell. Here goes nothing guys, whatever that means!
Pro 420 hey man best of luck 👍
Thanks Chris. Your videos are Awesome! Very informative. You are definitely the Man.
“You gotta pay your dues” keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. Thanks for telling it like it is. I’m 58 and still at it. Everyday is a school day.
I paid my dues when I paid the $12k tuition at a HVAC school.
Great video Chris, 30+ years and still learning. Kids today want everything handed to them and don’t understand what it is to work hard. You have to earn the respect from the seasoned guys. Too many cocky attitudes out their thinking they are the best.
Bill Duffy for sure my man ! We all learn everyday
I wouldn't say they want EVERYTHING handed to them. I'm 25 and attending a 10 month program to be an HVAC/R technician while I'm working 80 hours a week. Some guys don't understand the value of hard work, and do expect to have everything handed to them. However most of us are willing and able to put in the extra time because a lot of us understand the value of the knowledge that can be learned in this field.
Bill Duffy ok boomer
TechBass 94 ok boomer
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac I mean these people are acting like boomers by saying oh kids these days don’t work and are lazy this and they want everything handed to them blah blah blah when in reality they had it way easier back in their day and kids these days don’t act like that sure some do but not the majority so when people act like that it just shows how uneducated and ignorant they are so essentially it’s a modern day insult
Totally agree. Just got rid of a helper who had ADD. And a religion that would not allow medication. He said he wanted to become a chiller technician and make $300 an hour. I told him he watched too much RUclips lol. He wanted me to teach him. I told him he had to focus to learn the trade and he couldn’t do that with his ADD thing. First job he had was to bring me a 10ft ladder. He brought an 8ft. So right off the bat we had issues. I told him how much pressure there was in a nitrogen tank and to not stand it up ,always lay it down. It can’t fall if it’s laying down. I found it standing on the bumper of my van. With the regulator on. We had the talk again. The 5th time we had the talk was my last. I sent him back to the office. This job is dangerous enough without stupid stuff happening. I’m willing to teach this trade to anyone willing to learn. Problem I have with this generation is there head is looking down at the phone rather than up to learn. I had a problem with a VFD cycling through local to remote. I got on my phone and looked it up. I look over my helper looking down playing a game. I said “one of us is learning” smh.
ACtech Formally yo mama I hear ya man
I just jumped into refrigeration at 39 years old. My boss offered to pay me 16/hour. I told him i rrally dont know shit. Id be more comfortable at 14/hour. He knows im not here for the money and im here to learn so he'll be a little more patient with me and teach me. Ill be at 20 + in less than 6 months as long as i keep learning.
I was told by a guy who started his own company, that the school really wasn't worth it. You pay 10 grand for 9 months of stuff you could learn in 3 months on the job, getting paid.
not all schools are equal, he must of went to a rip off school.
There's a lot of rip-off schools out there. Also, you'd have to find a company willing to take an apprentice with zero to offer.
I am in the same boat. School was not worth it.
I just finished a 10 month course and learned a shit ton.
@@NikoBellaKhouf if you live in florida, That's not a problem. Some Companies here actually prefer fresh help with no exp or knowledge.
i learned what trades were the end of my junior year of high school and im a guy who likes working with my hands. Now I graduated as of Tuesday and I plan on trying to get on an apprentice program. Im social, have extremely good customer service, a learning mentality bc theres always something to learn. I enjoy the talks you guys are giving us bc its helping me out a lot!
Motivation, I l love it!! I’m 21, I graduate in May for HVAC school! God willing I make it to May because can’t take anything/any day for granted!! I appreciate every piece of advice!
Diante Wilson thanks man. Good luck 👍
How you doin my man? Still on the path of hvac i hope?
Aspiring to learn hvac trade myself and reaching out to others as well.
@@MrAngel2U I’m doing good man and of course, yes sir I am still on the path and will forever will be until it is my time!! Right now I am on Christ break learning HVAC and reading books about it!
Do it man this trade is great and you learn every single day!
@@diantewilson4114 what do you think of working independently / working for yourself right after training? Are there techs that do that? Or do you find most new grads working for established AC companies(right out of training)?
@@MrAngel2U I wouldn’t start off working independently. Me, personally I will be working under someone for 3-4 years then more than likely God Willing have my own company!!
Like 90% of the new grads work under an established company!!
Excellent advice. Allow me to give your viewers an example Chris. I live in Canada and do A LOT of furnace work. I think the first time I ever replaced an inducer motor on a furnace it took me an hour and twenty minutes, yesterday I changed an inducer motor, including unpacking my tools and packing up my tools the entire job took eight minutes... now, which technician would be more valuable to your boss? The didn’t have a clue Karl technician when he was starting out 12 years ago or the today Karl technician that gets the job done quickly and without mistakes? Experience can’t be taught in school, it has to be earned working on the tools. And for all the new guys out there, I still learn new things every day on the job, I still take RSES & RETA & ASHRAE & HRAI courses, and I still read a ton of technical manuals from Emerson, Sporlan, Heatcraft, Hoshizaki, etc. etc. To get good and become proficient in this or any other trade takes time and dedication. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the comment man ! Great advice as well 👍👍. You are right about everything
Great vid for newbys. I been in the trade since mid 80s. When I started in field right out of tech school went out with boss one day then was on my own from that point running service calls by myself. You never stop learning the trade especially now days with all the new tech tools we did not have back in the day.
Oldtime Heating Service
Damn, you must have made one hell of an impressive impression on your boss way back then in the 80’s because my boss told me it will be 3 years before he sends me out solo. My hat is definitely off to you Sir. Wish me luck, i start the day after tomorrow.!
Great advice. I’ve been in the trade since 1973 and an instructor for 34 years and I’m still learning new stuff . I find a lot of the new guys are cocky, think they know it all, and have seen everything, even before they are journeyman. The trade changes rapidly and no one will ever know it all.
Rod Graff thank you. Very well said sir 👍
Iv been in the trade coming on 3 years and I would love to learn from a guy like you. Most guys in the company I'm with hate teaching. Everything I've learned was from watching them and then doing it the next time with out them even seeing it. Puts a smile on their face knowing how quick I picked it up.
Well said. Fellas you must put the work in when you’re off the clock or you simply won’t make it.
On the other side of this don’t just give your time away to some company that isn’t putting you in a position to learn, and actually be working TOWARDS what or wherever you want to get to. You’re only as good as what you’ve worked on, or picked up along the way.
It’s not a good look to be presumptuous and expect a lot up front, but keep in mind that though there will be many years in your career, you only get to do it once. You should make your boss aware that they have you on a basis of “ use me or lose me”, or “help me grow or watch me go” lol.
Don’t be pigeonholed into a position with a low ceiling, that doesn’t offer much opportunity to make progress and advance in the trade.
Good advice
Hey you old bastard!! Petruzzi still loves ya!!!
Keep teaching,keep putting out videos!! Believe it or not there is still hope for the future of this trade!! You are doing a great service. Where I am now, I was hired to “help and mentor the younger guys”. Now that does not mean age. There are guys trying this in their 30s and 40s. If I’m at a call and someone needs help and I can help them, 2 calls are done at once. In your videos talk about how easy it is today with ALL this connectivity to information. We are only a model number away from Tech support or a PDF of a unit. Keep it up brother!! Jason T Petruzzi
Jason Petruzzi hey Jason ! Haha how you been buddy ! You make all good points my man . Hope your doing well bro 👍
You're a straight shooter Chris, you tell it like it is! I know you're a Humble guy, but your employer is VERY FORTUNATE to have a tech like you!!! You're DAMN GOOD AT YOUR TRADE! Cheers from Napa California! Keep up the good videos Chris!! 👍👍
José Hernandez thanks bro I appreciate that 👍
I started out as a helper when I was 18 years old and I ran with the Van's for a year but I learned a lot I got a better job when I was 20 years old working as a handyman for 26 an hour in an apartment building and loved it I did that for 5 years and now at 25 years old I just moved over in to a commercial building as a mechanic and am making 37 an hour I will be getting my refrigeration license so I can move up to engineer. But you are right I put my time in I bust my ass I learn and I grow I wish more guys my age could do that.
67tr876. Awesome man 👍. Thanks for sharing your story
@@Cscrefandhvac hey no problem!!
67tr876. The mechanical channel we are just rare
Good shit man. I’m thinking about a career in hvac and refrigeration and this is insightful.
Lot of transformers brother. 25 years and I’m still learning and taking classes. One more year to go my friend. Great video. And yes I still don’t know anything even though I make $40 per hour. Thanks Chris. Miss Boston. Happy thanksgiving brother. God bless.
Blaze Eisner hahaha. Thanks blaze. Enjoy your thanksgiving as well bro
Excellent advice! My uncle tells me he would be lucky to even rub two nickels together.
Tbone B thanks for watching
I just started in the class but it’s great hearing from someone else who knows and actually being honest. I’m only 19 & the most I ever made was 12 dollars an hour 😂 I was working in the mall but yeah I got my mind all in this triad 💯
Micky Gomez nice man 👍. Good luck with school
I came out of FMIT out of Fort Myers Florida. Monday thru Friday, 7:30 to 3:30PM for a year and a half for refrigeration and HVAC.
Had to work at night to do this. I came out making good money. I did maintenance for a two weeks starting out. They tried me on service to see what I could do. I barely know a lot, I may never at that.
However, my first three month of service I condemned and replaced TXVs, boards, compressors, frequency drives for evaporator fan motors, capillary tubes, controls.
The fundamentals will lead you closer to the "truth". Not a single man on the planet will master refrigeration, the first so called "Law of thermodynamics" won't allow it.
Good Advice. 👍 I've been doing it 23 years and I still get those weird p.i.t.a calls that kick my butt.
N.W. Ohio HVAC Videos same here as well man. Thanks for watching 👍
@@Cscrefandhvac I enjoy watching them. You got a good honest approach to it. And I like seeing some of that big city stuff. LOL
N.W. Ohio HVAC Videos thanks man
🤑 the talk is money man
I still learning every day I go to a call.
Hello Jose. How is everything with Hvac now...2 years in?
Straight truth.👍
R.I.P. Richard Wilson &
Chuck Baker
Both GREAT senior techs.
Taught me a lot first five yes of H.V.A.C.R
Thanks man and R.I.P to your buddies man
Everything he said..... IS ABSOLUTELY TTHE GODS HONEST TRUTH! IT TAKES YEARS AND EVEN THEN YOUR STILL LEARNING
I'm in school right now and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. It can be very intimidating. I try to just take in what I can take in.
KC KC yup that’s all you can do man. Just pay attention and do your best
I just entered first semester classed in hvac school, and theres lots of science to cover, but once it begins to seek in , it isn't all that bad, and not to mention the electrical classes lol, but hey just between you and me its fun, its a million time better than flipping burgers. good luck.
School is a great lway to get experience, and build a little confidence, and knowledge with what is HVAC/R, the tools you'll use, and you'll atleast do everything once. If anyone is new (like me) learn everything about the electrical side as you can. Remember the E.A.R. meathod (electrical, air, refrigeration) (70%/20%/10%) but also keep in mind that school and actually being in the trade is like day and night!
Thanx for the video brother. What u say is nothing but the truth. I went to school back in 2013, got my 608 cert and been in the trade for 4 years. There is sooooooo much to this trade, many have no idea! Every day I'm learning something and you will always learn something as long as you want to. You HAVE to want to do this in order to make it. You can't fake it in this field!
Summit M18 HVAC absolutely right bro ! You have to WANT to do this trade . Good luck man and thanks for watching 👍
About to go into the Union apprenticesip at 46yr. young, i know there's always lots to learn and hard work ahead. But you know its you guys who are uploading these videos sharing knowledge is what motivated me to leave my stable job as a maintenance engineer at hotel to fully learn this trade full time. Thanks to you all who care so much for this trade, that you all take time to upload videos, I think that's just awesome, it does really help out us new guys, and im sure old timers too. But yes what you say is true the younger generation just don't want to work and I think that's why this trade is short of good workers. This is another reason i jumping in, there is demand. So keep sharing because you all are a big asset to the trade to keep it from not falling apart. I just found you channel and your a great teacher.
Thank you very much!!
APR928 he my man thank you appreciate the kind words . And yes this trade is very short on good workers. And congrats about the apprentice program. Good luck with it man 👍👍
Appreciate your advice brotha I’m 19 in this trade and I’m doing well with the mentoring you have provided me keep up the good work!
Jorge be badass. Strive everyday to go above and beyond. Fix the system not the symptoms. Stay away from mediocre mechanics. Surround yourself with bad ass mother fuckers. It’s contagious. Fuck COVID!
Thanx brotha, hammered it. We all started out green, carrying tools and being the guy laying in the slush, or oatmeal insulation. We’ve come a long way my friend. As my gramps always told me “you can’t be old and wise without being young and stupid” keep up the good work man
Adam Hunt thanks brother. I could’ve said a lot more but I did this off the top of my head Hahahah
Great advice, sir! Young guys starting out, please take note of what he is saying!
cutum thanks man I appreciate that
Brother thank you for the truth. That's is what being a leader is all about. Hey the truth hurts but if you dont hear it you'll never learn. It takes time like all things. But you gotta listen and pay attention. All the best brother in all you do 👍
Philip Johnson thanks man. Appreciate that 👍
You are very right about what they say in school I’m in school right now in North Andover and all the instructors say when you get out and working you will make a ton of money right off the bat and they teach just the basics
nick dolan yup I know man. Hahahha. But good luck with school and thanks for watching
@@Cscrefandhvac i want to do this right after i graduate from high school . How long have you been in this business ?
The rich Boy cool man good for you. I’ve been in the business a little over 20 years
If you're new and wonder why all the older guys are grumpy assholes, now you know why. The job is hard and years of it can weigh down on you. I'm 5 years in and about to finish my apprenticeship. Those years of grinding are starting to pay off. I know a lot more than I did the first year and I've gained a lot of respect for my work ethic and ability to learn and put it to use. It's definitely not easy the first few years are hard and you aren't making top dollar but it's worth the push. Nice to hear you being straight with people 👍
Nice talk and thanks for being real. Apprentice 6 months in right now
I’m enrolling in HVAC\R at this local college in my area. The program is affiliated with trane. I’m excited and can’t wait.
Thanks for the information. I am currently taking HVACR classes online and its difficult. I'm going to reach out to a few companies in the area to see if I can shadow them, or be a tool guy. I know that the hands on is everything. Thanks again.
I agree I went to school for hvacr and I over hear these instructors says oh you'll be making 45 bucks an hour like no ur not ur going to start at the minimum they make things sound mote then what it is ! Takes a long time to get good at it !
shadowed a boss today in nyc and pulled strainers out of cooling tower pumps, i hope he gives me the shot/job. a lot of people never have seemed to hear the saying "hard work beats talent if talent dont work hard " so just give it everything you got. Shut the fuck up figure out the tools figure shit out eyeball the tech, whoever you're with. have tools organized organize a van for your boss, etc... my brother is a 24 year old plumber 6 years in and tells me all this. youtube, books, and school can teach you things but it will never ever compare to in the field experience. hope to start this new chapter in my life at 20 and will do it humble and motivated to be the best at it. this video gave. me the boost i needed. thank you boss.
You have to pay your dues, and still pay them 31 years in. And all ways learn, equipment is changing daily.
Nor-Cal Refrigeration & H.V.A.C you got that right brother !!! Appreciate hearing this from man
Thank you for what are you doing for is 💐
I work in hvac now for 8 months and I am starting to change my mind and go work at a different trait, I do installs and I am not liking that is seasonal, and the no hours, this happen as well being tech not always 40 hours
Nicholas R yes unfortunately it can be very slow in the winter . Most trades can be that way. It also depends on the company as well and how much work there is. My work is slow every winter so I do snow plowing too , to help make up the lost money
I appreciate the feed back, should I keep at it or look for a bigger company or is it like that as well at a big company?
Nicholas R it can be like that anywhere man. But bigger companies will also have more customers and more pm stuff to keep busy with if your in the service end . It’s just the nature of the trade. In a other month it’ll be busy again I’m sure. It will be here anyway
Yeah that's why you're supposed to make enough money when you are working to cover you when you aren't working without having to take odd jobs.
Amen! Well said Chris. Great video brotha!
Thanks bro ! Means a lot coming from you my man !
Hell Yeh, I don't mind picking up tools and things Everyone starts at The bottom in every trade or job my expectations are 0 so I can only go up
It’s really good stuff. I can’t emphasize enough to keep a sense of humility and willingness to do whatever it takes and learn. The money doesn’t come immediately necessarily but understand this… Keep at it put in the work keep an open mind do what you’re told and ask questions and the money will come and there is no limit. That’s just the truth.
AMEN. Brother... Pay your dues....
After I started working for a commercial ref company...I decided to go to a school....boss said it would be a waste....& it was a waste of 1400 fn bucks...I was the only guy in that class who was actually working in the field....if u go to a union school then that's a real hvac school.........being fit & drug free is a big plus as well when picking this trade.....another point & just personal opinion....definitely go commercial......F**k residential.....good video....
Joe Morales for sure man !
Agreed commercial all the way! Best decision I’ve ever made. Still glad I put my time in residential thoughz
Ashton Lanier absolutely. Thanks for watching bro !
i agree 100% with what you said...i graduated school 19 years ago and was thrown to the wolves in commercial HVAC/R making $12 an hour....still paying dues and coming across new stuff i never saw before...the newer guys cant handle jobs then it goes to the veteran guys...been busting my ass for 19 years...you gotta be a worker in this business
kingofthecrease30 for sure man. I started 20 years ago with no school and learned and worked my way up. Still learning all the time
Man's keepin' it real out there bruv 👍
Great video. When I started hvac school I had already started training at my job and learned more at the job than at school, you are correct when you say that when these guys get out of school they know nothing. Been in the trade for 2 years now and still learning.
Steven Boswell thanks man. Yes you will always learn things always change in this business or you will see something you’ve never seen. No one will ever know it all in this trade there’s to many aspects of the trade
I tell younger guys. The only difference between a trade school newbie and a non trade school newbie. Both are starting from square one. The trade school guy may have a slight rolling start into it and can hopefully progress a bit faster. But yes I agree, blood ,sweat , and tears Is the only way to to go to the next level. School does not put you at that next level. It’s not for the faint at heart. Nice video.
Great video man, I'm still trying to learn. No schooling and i want to take your advice and go into commercial buildings
how are u goin to learn the trade with out attending a vocational school, do know folks in the trade that will take you under their wings etc......
@@hunkydude322 usually you start off as a helper on installs. Supply houses have training classes that you can go to after work once a month your company will usually pay for. If you're hungry and serious about HVAC the senior techs will be more than willing to help you out but this can take years
I’m fixing to start the HVAC program at my technical school wish me luck
Good luck man. If you are willing to learn and work hard you should be fine 👍
Bro go apply to a company and save the money! Most hvac companies will hire and train and that's honestly the best way to learn
@@brandonbenson5176 I agree man. You learn the very basics, plus 20k in debt.
Agree with killabee save your money
@@brandonbenson5176 I understand what you mean. But I made good grades in high school and got grants to go to tech school that pays for 90% of it I wanted to take advantage of that and at least get some kind of post secondary education
My dad always told me, a hard days work never killed anybody. I was rasied on a farm and worked like a borrowed mule lol. Too many kids nowadays have been told all their lives that they deserve everything that everyone else has and not have to work for it. It's a shame, but thats what this country has come to. Great job as always Chris, keep the videos coming.
U are very right trades are not for everyone I love being in the trade but I know somepeople who quit
I thought that there would be a line people wanting to pay me $25hr right after school. I made less than I did before paying for school working in a factory. It did pay off.
TechFive in you’re opinion do you think it’s worth it? Honestly for the amount of work that’s involved you should be making $20 to $25 starting off.
Anything less than $25 per hour starting is a rip-off.
@@bradgreen5938 I 1st started in install. Damn that is horrible. In the attic all day everyday. Then I started apt maintenance because I didn't have any experience to get a service tech position. I was making $13 at 1st then worked my way up to nearly $25. Property management is too much stress. Nearly 9 years later I'm full hvac only making $19. Location has lots to do with it. I'm in FL and hvac techs are dime a dozen. I don't work off commission. I make all kinds of mistakes and running into things that I never saw in apt maintenance. I will make more but the company is tolerating my mistakes and their helping me learn. But yes go for it. There are different types of schools for hvac. Mine was nearly a waste.
in hvac you never stop learning ,25+ years
You mention the hard times. So many of those SMH. How about the times the seasoned tech has screwed up and has for instance....fried a $1000 board that's 2 weeks out. (Me earlier this week btw). Might make a good talk. Keep em coming buddy and stay warm
Jacob Scyphers for sure man. Even seasoned techs make mistakes . It can be easy to do in this business for sure. Thanks for watching
I ain't asking for the world but some horror stories are scary regarding pay, definitely not expecting 45 bucks an hour straight out of school ha but also ain't trying to be working for 5 years and still working towards 20$ an hour it ain't flipping burgers But I will soon see finishing up trade school now and then starting into my HVAC journey (non union) I am excited
I own a my own company in California for 17 yrs have 23 guys but always looking to expand so when I interview newbies from school they say I want $25 hour I say ok your a well skilled tech sounds like what are the 5 colors at the thermostat and there functions ? (Newbie)Uhh red is 24 and blue is fan and uhh white is ground umm what difference does it make I graduate hvac technical school top of my class and I have cert so I want 25 hr ! My response is that 20k you just paid for schooling didn’t do jack for you and your certs don’t mean nothing to me if you can’t even wire in a thermostat out of school ! Nexxxxxt ! And best of luck to you out there .
Angel Hernanadez yes sir. Very true haha.
Great video and great advice. What advice do you have for a guy fresh out of school with four months commercial pm experience who can’t find another job in hvac to save his life? Trying to hang in there. Thanks. Be safe out there.
Rob Brown hmmmmm I’m not really sure man cuz all the places I know are dying for help. I’d say just keep looking and put your resume out there , maybe even just go to local companies and walk in the door and ask if they are hiring
CSC Refrigeration and Hvac thanks man. Didn’t think you’d respond. I been trying that too. But I’ll keep looking. I’m here in Florida. They say the demand is high but the old heads don’t want to train anyone. My classmates have the same problem. I’m no youngster so being the stereotypical millennial isn’t my problem. All the job postings say “3/5 years of experience!” But a guy can’t get the experience of you don’t hire him! If I don’t find something I’ll do side work and build my knowledge base till something shakes.
The new guys with zero experience and zero schooling and think that they are on par or with the journeyman and techs within a matter of weeks are out there, and they just blow my mind with their arrogance. I call them THE MASTER-APPRENTICE. Some of these whackos even think that they are in charge and try to give orders after only a few weeks. And one weirdo did this on his FIRST DAY! 6 weeks later he seriously told me that he had taken over management of the company, OMG 😆
Joey Ravage oh yes , those types are out there too. Hahahha
those folks have an ego problem is all, a person that attends a good vocational school will learn the ins and outs of the trade, these others that are supposedly learning with out schooling are just seeing the icing on the cake is all. once an individual gets a good vocational education he can really climb the ladder, and he or she doesn't have to explain that to no one. the proof is in the pudding as they say.
Almost done with Associates Degree Heating and Cooling, man I just need a shot, definitely not looking for top pay.
Gold, Thanks for the knowledge/advice
unh0lyher0 thanks for watching , appreciate it
Hi guys I’m new hvac-R but Best way It’s refrigeration OR Pipefitting. Apprenticeship
Thanks for the video and honesty 👍🏽
Want to hire me? Plumber/boiler tech but I'm dying to learn this equipment too
34 years on the job I do control work and Programming I only make 46.00 per hr.
Only?
@@hendrixfan89x that's it and I only get 4 weeks PTO
@Steve Davis Brag I would say not many more people in the trade make way more then I do. my pay is avg at best.
I'm not in HVAC, But as i've explained to my son.. Ya cant just jump in and think yeah,,,$80/hr as an electrician!! NNoooo Sir!! Learn and earn my boy!! 'Yall got one of the most demanding jobs.. Qaulity shows your worth.. Appreciate you all!!
I’m currently in enrolled in an HVAC program I’m still learning something new in this field everyday, and I’m still willing to learn when I get out of school thank you for bring blunt lol
Tommy P good luck with school man that’s great . We all learn all the time In This trade
@@Cscrefandhvac Actually you previously said everyone that comes out of school is worthless
Jordan Cramer not worthless , but they are green and don’t know anything about how things actually work in real life in the field . At least from what I’ve seen
Manitowoc NEO undercounter ice machine. Bad Water thermistor would confuse the board on second harvest. It's not in the service manual. Had me stuck for 2 hours on a Friday evening with no tech support. Arggghhh! Live and learn.
Yup. Trial and error man for sure sometime s hahahah
This is true. Its been like that for years. Young kids want it all, and some don't want to work for it, to earn it. They will learn, work, and then move up to the BIG BUCK. How's that Tobin Bridge that you ride on. Look like you were heading north to Revere. How you get back to more videos. I like them. From one yankee to another, lets get it done kid. Enjoy your lobstah!!!!!
Ray Ray Hahahaha thanks man. The Tobin is a mess like it’s always been. Lol. Thanks for the support 👍
30 years doing hvac and can't wait to retire. I have worked for numerious companies and only one treated me with respect and paid me what I thought was fair for my skill level. Would have stayed there if my wife did not have health reasons and we had to move. It's been down hill since then. Every employer thinks every service job should be done in an hour or less. Doesn't happen sorry. The problem today is that many large companies are run by bean counters who have never been out in the field. Most of the owners have never been out in the field. All they see is spread sheets and sit in meetings. Getting out and never looking back.
Nothing is handed to you in the trades, everything is earned. You have to have the right mental attitude and aptitude and you must be willing to work from the very bottom upwards.
Dave M for sure man. Thanks for watching
I don't mean this to come off as condescending, but why do people go into debt to go to HVAC school when they could get an entry level job in the field? Seems like a better option. You won't be making more money necessarily with a program under your belt. They want experience, more than school....
Yes they tell us we get $20 for start. Can you tell about variety of opportunity of this field. Thank you
Wise words from a wise man.
I usually don't teach anything to any helper till they show me they are hard workers . Don't care from which school they came or licence. And as you said , many people with years on the trade still don't know bunch of stuff and they are just pretending but at the time to get some shit done, up and running in decent time , they prove they know nothing.
J L totally agree. I can judge very well now who will make it and who won’t. Unfortunately most don’t make it.
Love Boston, hate driving there.
Yes sir hahah. The traffic is a nightmare
Good advice for the new people coming into the trade
Brother it aint just in your field, its everywhere. I work in EMS, and the new guys coming straight out of school with no experience think they know everything. What gets me the most is they want everything handed to them with no effort on thier part. Its like the mindset is to do the least amount of work for the most pay possible. They dont understand earning thier place.
Will Rowzee that’s the reason they call it “ The Entitled Generation”.They are born thinking they are owed something.
These kids today want top dollar and don’t want to work any overtime. They also have smart phones to google or call a more experienced technician when in trouble. I’m in power generation field and when I started we had beepers no phones. We had no one to call you actually had to fix it.
Dan N dame here man. Hahah. If I needed a phone I had to find a pay phone somewhere lol. Or use the customers phone if they’d let me haha
Management always wants you to work for peanuts. This video is a good reality check tho.
I'd just like to get an opportunity to learn from someone experienced that will allow me to work alongside of them and allow me to make my own mistakes but will help me build on what I have learned from school.
Franklin Christie hopefully that can happen for you man. But a lot of this trade especially with service we are out on our own
@@Cscrefandhvac absolutely I get that I just want the most knowledge I can get from people who have done it for years and can help me do it all the right way.
this video is 5 years old. post covid labor market is a lot different. every HVAC and refrigeration company is begging for workers. they are willing to pay $25 to newbies.
Great video. It's a difficult trade. You have to know a lot of different things, plumbing, electrics, refrigeration.
per simonsen definitely man
Just came across your video and was wondering if your company take apprentice
You are very welcome.