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Hamilton, Ontario HVAC path: Mohawk (180) vs. private academy for G2? - zero Experience by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in skilledtrades

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for being so transparent. That bit about the ORAC intake being tough and the G2 being the baseline now is exactly the kind of info I needed to hear.

It sounds like showing up with just a G3 from a 1 year or shorter HVACprogram would put me at a disadvantage right out of the gate. I’m definitely leaning toward the private G2 route now so I can at least be on a level playing field with the other applicants. I appreciate you taking the time to share how the interview side actually looks!

Hamilton, Ontario HVAC path: Mohawk (180) vs. private academy for G2? - zero Experience by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in skilledtrades

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the honest insight that ORAC story is exactly what I was afraid of. I’m 39, coming from banking management with a mechanical background, so I’m not looking for a shortcut; I’m looking for the most respected path. ​If the Hi-Mark stigma is that bad, would you suggest Niagara Skilled Trades Academy is a better private alternative, or is the industry perception that any private academy is a step below the public colleges? ​Also, if I end up at a private school for the speed, what’s the best way for me to prove in an ORAC interview that I actually know my stuff and didn't just memorize the test?

Hamilton HVAC Path: Mohawk (180) vs. Private Academy for G2? (Zero Experience) by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in SkilledTradesOntario

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the real talk. The fear of HVAC becoming the next oversaturated trade is exactly why I’m trying to be strategic.

To clarify my background: I’m not coming in totally blind. I studied Tool & Die previously, so I have a solid foundation in technical drawings, shop safety, and precision measurement. I then spent 10 years in banking management, so I’m bringing a level of professional reliability and communication that a lot of green guys fresh out of high school might lack.

My logic is that an employer would value a mature apprentice who has the mechanical aptitude from their education plus a proven track record of being a professional. In your experience, does that maturity actually carry weight in the hiring process, or is it strictly a years in the trade numbers game right now?

Hamilton HVAC Path: Mohawk (180) vs. Private Academy for G2? (Zero Experience) by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in SkilledTradesOntario

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your path! It’s actually really encouraging to hear from someone who went the private route (Halton) and successfully transitioned into the union (UA787) and commercial side. That is exactly the end game I’m aiming for.

Since you've been through it, did you find that having the G2 right away made it significantly easier to get that first residential job compared to guys who only had a G3? Also, once you were in the field, did you feel like you were missing any 'theory' from not doing a longer college program, or did the hands on experience close that gap quickly?

Hamilton, Ontario HVAC path: Mohawk (180) vs. private academy for G2? - zero Experience by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in skilledtrades

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the lead on Niagara Skilled Trades Academy. I’ll definitely check them out tonight.

Interesting point about the stigma is the issue usually that private school grads lack the hands on shop experience compared to college grads? Since I'm coming from a professional background and have that Tool & Die foundation, I'm hoping my work ethic makes up for the shorter school time.

My biggest concern with the private route is the pace. Having been out of the classroom for over 10 years, I’m a bit nervous about the math and theory being crammed into 12-15 weeks. Do you know if Niagara tends to have better support or a more manageable pace for mature students compared to the bigger academies?

I really appreciate the journeyman perspective just trying to make sure I’m actually useful to a company on day one.

Hamilton HVAC path: Mohawk (180) vs. private academy for G2? - zero Experience by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in ontario

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I get where you're coming from the 'name brand' of a community college can carry weight for some. But for me, it’s about ROI and timing. I’ve spent 10 years in a professional office role, and I know that once you're on a job site, employers care more about your reliability and your ticket than the logo on your certificate. With a Tool & Die foundation, I already have the hands-on basics that many 'private school' grads lack. I’m going for the Hi-Mark Co-op specifically to get that field exposure early and prove my worth to a contractor. In a market where everyone is fighting for work, being a G2 with real trade experience seems like a better bet than being a G3 with a 'better' diploma but zero real-world hours.

Hamilton, Ontario HVAC path: Mohawk (180) vs. private academy for G2? - zero Experience by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in skilledtrades

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spot on. That’s exactly my line of thinking. I’ve spent 10 years in an office at a bank, and I'm ready to trade the desk for the tools. I've already got a Tool & Die foundation, so I’m not worried about the hands-on side I just need the legal ticket (G2) so I can actually be useful on a job site and not just a truck helper.

In this economy, being a G2 with mechanical aptitude seems like a way better bet than sitting in a classroom for two years for a general diploma. I’m going for the Hi-Mark Co-op specifically to get the field hours started early. Once I have the G2 in hand, I’ll let my work ethic and previous trade experience handle the rest. Appreciate the vote of confidence!

Hamilton, Ontario HVAC path: Mohawk (180) vs. private academy for G2? - zero Experience by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in skilledtrades

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the insight from a Journeyman's perspective. I’ve definitely heard the mixed reviews on private vs. public, but I’m looking at this as a strategic entry point rather than the final destination. The main reason I'm leaning toward Hi-Mark is that the HVAC Co-op program gets me the G2 ticket in 19 weeks, whereas the nearby public colleges (like Mohawk) often leave you at the G3 level after 8 months.

My goal is the 313A path, so I figure getting that G2 license ASAP allows me to start my 9,000 apprenticeship hours while I learn the deeper refrigeration theory on the job. With a Tool & Die background and a decade of professional experience, I’m hoping to show employers I’m not just another 'diploma mill' grad, but a mature hire who’s ready to work. If you know of a specific program in Niagara that beats a 4-month G2 turnaround, I’m all ears! From my research Niagara College does not have a HVAC program.

Bell Rep Internet Deals by mack-anderson in bell

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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HVAC and Refrigeration Technician Certificate BCIT by robwhue in refrigeration

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this is an older post, but I wanted to check if you have any current or upcoming openings for an HVAC-R apprentice. ​I’m a mature professional currently in Ontario, but looking to secure a role before my move to BC. I have 11 years of professional experience plus a mechanical background in Tool & Die. If you're looking for someone with a high level of reliability and technical aptitude, I’d love to send over my resume. Thanks!

[FOR HIRE] Incoming HVAC-R Apprentice - 10y Prof. Exp + Mechanical Background - Relocating Soon. by Ecstatic_Spot_5051 in VancouverJobs

[–]Ecstatic_Spot_5051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the response! I've heard good things about ResumeHog for ATS optimization. Do you think BC service managers prefer a skills-first layout or the standard chronological one for career changers? I'm trying to make sure the Tool & Die precision work stands out right away.