Career Change to HVAC: Need Suggestions from the Pros

Backstory: I've spent two decades in other professions (10 in sales, 10 in environmental compliance) and - for a variety of reasons - find myself wanting to get into a hands-on trade. I'm no rookie when it comes to spinning wrenches, though; hobbies include restoring old trucks, home appliances, construction projects, amateur blacksmithing, woodworking. Troubleshooting and problem-solving are some of my favorite things in life. As such, I already have many of the basic tools needed:

Wrenches, socket drivers, shears, multimeter (shitty HF meter, but works), impact driver, drill/driver, toolboxes, massive vacuum pump, hand tools galore. Will get a good quality socket driver set and a HVAC-friendly tool bag like that snazzy Klein 55421BP14CAMO backpack (have mostly steel boxes now).

I've got a full family to feed, so I need to make the transition thoughtfully and effectively. That also means I'm willing to work, willing to learn, eager to be the best tech I can be -- not the variety who shows up late for work, loses tools, skips appointments, etc. I've read through several threads regarding getting into the trade (many of them were helpful with tools, etc.) but haven't found the answers to the following.

Questions (in no particular order):

• Do most employers care whether your EPA 608 cert. comes from an online mill like Penn Foster?
• NATE Certification... worth it? I just did the entry-level "Ready For Work" certificate for $50.00 just to show I'm willing to put in some effort prior to being hired.
• Is a school really worth it? Several redditors seemed to be of the opinion that recent grads know just enough upon graduation to get themselves and others killed. Does it make sense to spend $10,000 to get some hands-on training and a 608? Or just go look for installation assistant-type jobs and learn on the job? *** If the school is worth it, would you suggest going the 5-year union apprenticeship route or non-union ongoing training route? Are these two mutually exclusive?
• I'm in inland Southern California (Riverside County, FWIW). Anybody have recommendations on where to apply (school or employer)?

Willing to answer any questions. Thanks for the help.

submitted by /u/fudrumpus
[link] [comments]