Some Advice From Somebody Who Has Already Made It.

mikelipford

I have some questions that maybe you can help me out with. I have been a service manager of apartment complexs for 10 years. Heating and air has always been my passion, and I have tried to learn everything I can about the trade. I started working on the side with a guy that owned his own heating and air business, doing all his installs and service work. I also have my own customers that I do service work for. Last July I took the leap and went into business for myself full-time. Since I had worked for this guy for 4 years the plan was to get him to sign for me to go take the state test to get my H-3 license(I just want to work on residental) but I found out he doesn't have his contractors license. I stay pretty busy with repair work, but I really want to get my license. Installs are far from my favorite, but I don't like limiting the type of work that I can do. According to Raleigh(I live in NC) I have to work under someone for 2 years or work under someone for a year with a year of school. I have talked to some local companies and the want to start my pay off so low(because I don't have any time in with a actual heating and air company) that taking the job I would not be able to pay the bills. So I guess my questions is this.1 Does anyone know if there are any at home study course that are acceptable for the schooling and 2.Is there any way any of my work time can be applied to my time needed? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Painters Choice

I am from Canada so not sure if my advice would be applicable. You are not likely going to get anyone to accept your time worked as it wasn't with a reputable firm as it wasn't licensed. That will be there also, as licensing has been in effect for many years now you can't get in under any 'grandfather' clauses. You may be able to take either online college accredited courses or correspondence courses but your best bet is likely night courses at an accredited college. At least once you have the actual education certificates or diplomas required you can demand a decent amount in pay, if you require actual experience to get licensing. You may want to check with your local state requirements yourself to ensure that this is true. You may also want to consider checking neighboring state regulations (if you are close to a state line) as you may find they are more lenient and may be accepted in your own state. Hope that helps you out somehow.

hvactech140

Hello, I am a contract here in Alabama, but I worked in Greensboro nc for 12 years and no they are pretty much set on how they want it done. They want to see you as a apprentice before you can become licensed. It makes sence though. We work to hard for anyone to become competition.

FloridaHVAC

Yeah they all know that you need the hours and have to apprentice so everyone is going to pay you nothing... They do it because they know you have to do it to get licensed... Sucks but there is no way around it...

hvacrman

sounds like you probably need to take the cut in pay and bite the bullit. you need proper training from a licensed contractor that is the kind of contractor who can pass skills tests. they will show you proper ways of doing things. looks like you want to be instant contractor the kind that undermines my trade. sorry but i do resent people like you who

beenthere

LOL...

It only took 4 years for someone to give him his first answer to his question.

DecksEtc

Which is pretty funny since the OP hasn't signed on since the day after he posted the original thread

hvacrman

he is probably the biggest hvac biz in north carolina by now.

All-Craft

That's funny