How to get trained in HVAC and/or steam heating?

nickdu

Just doing some research for my son. Seems college didn't suit him. He just told me the other day that HVAC sounds like it might be a good choice for him. He made some good points, like different areas to specialize in: residential, commercial, refrigerated trucks, etc.

I think steam is pretty neat and he might also so I'm wondering how would one best enter the field of HVAC technician or maybe a steam boiler technician, possibly focusing on commercial applications? Are there some highly rated schools that train you for this? Or Is it mostly via apprenticeship?

By the way, he's in Colorado Springs. I get the impression residential steam applications are more prevalent on the east coast just because the homes are older. If one is interested in commercial steam applications would pretty much any area of the US be viable?

I'm nickdu of "Deknuckleheaded nickdu's steam boiler":

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/143265/so-we-just-de-knuckleheaded-nickdus-steam-boiler

Before having that work done I had bought Dan's books and read through them. Very interesting. Then checked on this site for someone that knows about steam boilers in hopes to get my steam heat working correctly. Luckily I found Joe Star and he did a great job.

Thanks

SlamDunk

Still need to go to school. He might luck out and find someone who would take him under wing. Or, he might find someone who would use him as a general laborer and not teach him anything. I have seen both but more frequently, I see a formal trade education to start and often from the military.

EBEBRATT-Ed

If your son is computer smart, I would suggest getting into the commercial controls section of HVAC. A real shortage of techs and it's a lot easier than lugging pipe and boilers. You still need to understand systems and how they work. Maybe PM @Mark Eatherton I think he is in Colorado.

nickdu

SlamDunk said:

Still need to go to school.

What sort of schooling are you referring to? I think he'd be fine with trade school, just not typical college where 1/2 of the time is spent learning stuff you won't use on the job. If you're referring to trade school and have any suggestion of good ones, that would be great. I was looking for trade schools in the Colorado Springs area. Haven't found what looks like a good one yet.

He is close to a couple/few air force bases. Not sure whether he'd be interested in enlisting to learn a trade.

hot_rod

Must be a trade tech offering in that area? I'd combine it with working for an HVAC company. Get the book learning while doing hands on.

A progressive contractor in my area grabs high school kids at the end of class and has them come to his shop for work and training. If it works out they have a job when they finish high school.

Mad Dog_2

Mohawk Valley Comminity College in upstate NY has an  HVAC degree that is excellent and if the great "Siggy" is still teaching there, you  couldn't find a better school in the USA to get him started.   The rest he will pick up along the way and thru seminars and books of Mr Holohan,  Ray Wolfarth and some others.  I hope your son sticks with it.  Its a great trade.  Mad 🐕 Dog

offdutytech

Check local community colleges they often have programs that you can get a two year degree in HVAC or just take HVAC classes for a cert. Search for local union trades programs for apprentice programs. He can get exposure to all aspects of the HVAC industry.
I started out going to jobs as a kid with my grandfather and dad. Then graduated high school saying i did t want to be in HVAC. Started going to community college and ended up in HVAC. Got exposure to commercial refrigeration, then spent 18 years in the DDC controls industry working for a few controls manufactures. Great experience, but got burned out of the corporate side of things. At 40 became a full time firefighter and now just do HVAC as a side gig. HVAC def has a lot of options and specialties that even have helped me as a now firefighter. 

Mad Dog_2

All branches of the military have plumbing and heating shops - even the Reserves.  I have several friends that have done their twenty years in the reserves AND worked full time in the trade. AND got the nice pension. Very good way to go. Talk to your recruiter...Colorado Springs should have a HUGE Air Force Base, I believe.  Good luck.  Mad Dog 🐕 

Mad Dog_2

They also provide GREAT FREE training at Uncle Sam.University..AND the GI Bill for free education.   Mad Dog

pecmsg

https://ua.org/join-the-ua/find-a-local-union/

hot_rod

A great union training facility here in PA

Mad Dog_2

If u can get in to the "Onion" that would be ideal but its not like you can just walk in and join. It could take a few yrs. Proud UA Member. Local #1. NYC.  37 year member. Mad Dog

Mad Dog_2

They DO give priority to Vets.  In Hemet to Hardhats program. I know a few guys that got in that way.  Mad Dog

Larry Weingarten

Hi @nickdu , I know this may seem a bit sideways, but there are not enough technicians who really know how to work on water heaters. It's one of those nice plumbing jobs where you can actually save your clients money, because you can keep their heaters going far longer than most people realize. Heaters also live in nicer places most of the time, so you don't have to crawl around in the mud or over broken concrete much, or spend time in itchy, hot attics. I'd love to see more people become hot water experts! If your son is interested, I'd be happy to work with him. He just needs to want to learn.

Yours, Larry

Mad Dog_2

Oh my God..Larry is The Water Heater King.  That would be a privilege to learn from him. Mad Dog

nickdu

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1732524#Comment_1732524

Yeah, it's been a while. Just reading over this old post as I'm also looking for a different career. @Larry Weingarten just wondering where you're located. You wouldn't happen to be in Colorado Springs would you?

Larry Weingarten

Hi, I'm near Monterey, California. Not so close to Colorado Springs 😬

Yours, Larry

mattmia2

Although @Tim McElwain closed his school, if he is still selling the training materials he used, everything is in there if you have the background to digest it. But learn whatever @Larry Weingarten will tell you too.

jumper

Fifty years ago there were industrial facilities all over US with steam boilers. If you got a job in boiler room you learned for less than free. Steam heat and even HHW has been becoming a lost art.

mattmia2

there are still lots of commercial and industrial installations that use process steam

Larry Weingarten

Hi, I can add that if you're interested in getting into hot water, I wrote a book on it years ago and another book recently that adds to the info. Also created a DVD that shows how to play with heaters. It might be a good start. 😊

Yours, Larry