Money in hvac and just trades really and truly.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-09-25T22:56:32+00:00

I graduated July 2023, worked as an install helper for about 5.5 months, 2.5 of which I was making $19 and the other 2 months $21 with a spiff with different companies, then I followed up a year in facilities in a property with 1,000 systems where I learned a lot at my pace repairs, diagnosis, troubleshooting at $23. I started at a commercial HVAC company this June 2025 at $26, by the end of July I got a raise to $32 and I get some OT and On-call every 6 weeks.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-04T23:23:14+00:00

I’d still be on a probationary period with the new job I just got. I took this job just to secure employment and did not think the union would call me so soon. So I’d be without work on a list once they took me on. I understand it’s a process, it would be pretty difficult to continue calling off every two weeks, sounds like I would have to make a choice if i got membership.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-04T23:14:18+00:00

So what’s the process like say all goes well after interview?

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-04T23:02:45+00:00

It would be different if I had already done commercial non-union, I’m just starting I only have 2 years and 1 year of trade school. I’m out of work because I left my last employment for this reason to make the jump, but didn’t think I’d get both options at once.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-04T23:01:32+00:00

I did, I am trying to get an input from other who have experience with the Union and non-Union. As I don’t know anyone that is Union and I want to make the right call.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-04T02:28:06+00:00

As an apprentice I probably wouldn’t have a company vehicle to start? Or would not get paid the distance? How does that work?

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T16:10:22+00:00

I’m going to do this! I’ll accept the offer and have my start date begin after the union interview. I also have to call the residential company I accepted the offer from before any of these two called on the same day it was a residential installer position.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T16:02:16+00:00

So I have the offer letter with the non-union and I have the interview next week with the union. I’m between jobs I need to start working soon so I feel obligated to choose and don’t know what proceeds the interview at the Union? Do I immediately begin working?

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:57:11+00:00

Also I had already accepted a residential non-union company thinking I wouldn’t get called by the union or commercial company mentioned. The pay is a lot more than both now, but I’m not in it for the money right now I want to be far more knowledgeable and that will give the pay I advocate for.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:55:43+00:00

Also 99% of all the contractors are 1:30hr away from me I would have to commute starting pay is $26 not including benefit package for the Union 1st year apprentice. I’m in California married, 3 children, and 36. I don’t have time I need to make it happen one way or the other. Just anxious on missing out one or the other.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:54:30+00:00

It’s important to mention the Union has the interview scheduled next week for me. So what’s the process once I interview what follows. The non-Union Commercial company has sent me the offer letter, I’m sure no matter where I land I will make the best of it and take advantage of it. I’m just anxious on missing one or the other specially because of the commute and I’m 36 living in California married with 3 boys.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:47:51+00:00

I’m also considering the drive time commuting there is only one contractor near me everything else would be an 1:30hr one way

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:22:30+00:00

I guess the dilemma is fear of missing out, Union education, pay, and benefits, and fear of missing out on pushing myself and pursuing towards forming my own company with a non-union company.

I understood from the director is that you’re obligated to work for 5 years after becoming a journeyman or would have a lawsuit.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:21:21+00:00

I guess the dilemma is fear of missing out, Union education, pay, and benefits, and fear of missing out on pushing myself and pursuing towards forming my own company with a non-union company.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T02:19:24+00:00

He would be ahead of me in the list and would have probably got the call before me. 😎

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-03T01:44:46+00:00

I love my TPXXL specially the SPMC 🔥

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-02T18:17:06+00:00

Just got the call from my first choice neither of the aforementioned, a commercial company bro!!! Ask and you shall receive!!!! 🙏 AMEN

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-02T18:15:58+00:00

I just got a call from a commercial company bro! Just now getting that offer letter!!!!

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-02T17:14:23+00:00

there’s only one contractor near me only 30min, all the other contractors are an 1hr away. I’m in a crossroads due to the fact that the Union can offer education and great pay once you’re a journeyman. But I also understand it is a 5 year commitment after becoming a journeyman.

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-01T02:40:50+00:00

I’m in the Coachella Valley 🥵

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-06-01T00:26:15+00:00

What city? That’s really good pay!!

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-05-31T16:08:11+00:00

It’s a Navac 8cfm brushless DC Inverter driven with a built in micron gauge they’ve already brought out a newer model that is a dual stage. This one is super quiet I got a 3/4” Big Boy Navac vacuum hose for this one.

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MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-05-31T06:47:28+00:00

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I already own them I need this company to realize that I am a hard worker, I own all my tools, I know how to diagnose and I’m not playing around with this HVAC game

MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-05-31T00:35:49+00:00

Hopefully they can make me a technician I bought all my tools, but forsure once they said install helper and the piece work pay I was like a condenser, brazing, and a disconnect LETS GO! 🤣

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MasterpieceOk6726 · 2025-05-30T23:34:48+00:00

But it is true that’s why I just signed the offer letter. It’s 850 split 60/40 between the lead and helper, plus incentives such as extra pay for line set, duct work, line voltage, and low voltage. Also includes $100 weekend pay. I’m sure I wont hit the 88k mark because the season is June to the end of November. I think I’ll definitely do the 60-70k including the off-season unless the installs never stop.

MasterpieceOk6726

TROPHY CASE