HVAC Journeyman License

[xaza]

I have completed enough years in the industry (over 7) and am preparing to take the test for my Journeyman. I was laid off on Friday and am taking this opportunity to advance myself but need to do it cheap as possible. I am looking for the Current code books for the test. I could purchase a used book if someone has it laying around or would be willing to leave collateral until I return it after my test. If I am understanding correctly I need 3 books. 2015 Mechanical codes, 2015 fuel gas codes and 2014 NEC. Let me know if anyone has these books or guidance for my next step in my career. Jobs I am not so worried about yet, I have a few leads already but want to be a better me first.

[96EXXLTinCO]

Sorry to hear about the lay off cliff, but sounds like you got it under control with a plan to come back with a nice little "pay me more" license. Good luck on the Journeyman test, hope you lick it.

[Swank1975]

Hey hit up Haynes mechanical. They now have a full NCCER program, are always looking for more techs, have great vans, and are always working on the cool large commercial buildings.

[xaza]

Life has been flipped upside down over the last month. Finally pulling things together. My patience has rewarded me in the opportunity to take prep classes at preferred location for less money. I have done classes with this instructor before and know how good he is. I ordered the final 2 books needed which are out for delivery today. Should have my journeyman by end of January.

[Jim]

Great news (aside, perhaps, from life being flipped upside down)

[Swank1975]

Congrats. The industry needs more and more of you. As I said before even though I've moved on to work with my wife I high recommend Haynes Mechanical Systems if you want to work on a bunch of cook big commercial equipment in many of Colorado's premier facilities. Some examples include: Coors field, Craig and Hayden coal power plants, Mile High Stadium, Dish Network, most hospitals around Denver, many high rise buildings, large Data centers, etc. They keep their van fleet pretty new, offer great in house and off site training, and benefits.

[Patrolman]

Good to hear that things are coming together. My buddy works for Johnson Controls. If you are interested in working for them, I might be able to get you in touch with him.

[dieseldoc]

Cliff, sorry to hear about the lay off, and having life flipped over, but hey its life right.
Good for you on furthering your carrer.
Good luck on you test.

[Java]

:thumb: Good luck!!

[Brucker]

Damn, don't know how I missed this. Best of luck in your upcoming adventures! Sounds like you are on the right path ;-)

[xaza]

I'll start by filling in a bit. The week following my lay off my brother ruptured his lung and was rushed to the hospital. He had lung issues prior but the repair went well and he recovered. We had already made plans to go out for Thanksgiving and waited until then to go out. He got out of hospital the day after Thanksgiving but was a lot more dependent than expected. His house was not going to work for him anymore. I stayed back when my family came home and took care of him for the week and began preparations for the house to be sold. He was not gaining strength and his kids would not be able to provide the care he needed so my sister drove back out from Denver and we moved him into a nursing home. My sister and I came home on Tuesday and the following Monday I went back. I got the call while driving that he was going to the hospital and then the update when they took him back to Lincoln. His kidneys had failed and he had infection. His medicine for his lungs complicated things and after 2 rounds of dialysis he was not improving and was basically being kept alive with breathing support. We let him go peacefully on Dec 15 and very quickly held the funeral on the 17th. I returned to town and got my books ordered and set up training class.

Today I went in for the test and passed my F29 Master Journeyman Mechanical. Things just keep moving forward and we will see where I go next on my journey.

[Tom]

so sorry for your loss.

[Chris]

Sorry to hear this Cliff, at least his passing was peaceful.

[Jim]

Sorry to hear Cliff. That's a bunch of change going on. `anything we can do to help, pipe in.

[Hypoid]

Wow, when it rains, it pours!

First and foremost, my condolences to you and your loved ones.

Second, congrats on passing your exam.

As an aside: After going topsy-turvy a few times on my own journey, I began to appreciate the days when... nothing happened. Remember to make your loved ones feel appreciated!

[Java]

I'm so sorry about your brother, Cliff. I'm glad life is moving forward for you, and I'm impressed that you managed to pass an exam under the circumstances. :thumb:

[Swank1975]

So sad hearing of your brother. I'm glad you were able to be there for him.

It's good to see you passed your test and are in spot to drive forward.

[Brucker]

My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and yours.

And I would like to also congratulate you on passing your journeyman's test! That is awesome!

It feels weird typing these two polar opposite thoughts in the same post. But wishing nothing but the best for you and yours!

[Brad]

Our Condolences Cliff. Glad things are moving forward inspite of life's challenges.

[xaza]

I have been hitting the pavement since getting my license. I have interviewed with both the service and construction side of the company that laid me off over the last couple weeks. I am 1 week over the 3 months that they allow me to come back without losing my tenure. The construction side has officially offered me a job but the vacation is less than when I started (none for first year, then I get my tenure back) The way it feels though I would be pulling their ass out of the fire on one job and then be let go again. Seems like the wrong way to treat someone who has dedicated 3 years being a company man. I also interviewed with Haynes yesterday. Due to the fact my experience is primarily on smaller systems, I likely won't receive the wage I was looking for but the company seems to offer plenty of training to get me wherever I want. I am hesitant because AMI promised me anything I wanted to get me in the door and then failed to follow through over the course of the next 3 years, like getting my 90 day review at 20 months. I expect I will get an offer and will just have to see. I also registered my business name with the state to prepare myself for venturing out on my own. I am the proud owner of Always Honest HVAC. Business won't actually start for at least a year but at least I can start investing into the company and use it as a tax write off next year. I am still unsure where things are going but I know that I will be moving forward and each day will only make me stronger, smarter and better.

[Chris]

Best luck in whatever you decide Cliff, your great attitude will prevail! :thumb:

[Swank1975]

I hear what you're saying about Haynes. They can be sticklers for experience as they have so many premium accounts they cannot afford many learning mistakes. They do have their own school and have 2-3 classes per week in everything from BAS to Chillers to brazing. If you could work through your first year and show them you want to learn, always show up, and take care of the customer the sky is the limit with them. Most of their sales guys making well into 6 figures started as techs who moved up over the years.

[Brucker]

Best of luck with all of this Cliff

[xaza]

I must have a good looking resume and be able to back it up in the interview. I applied for positions in 4 companies, had interviews with 3 of them and got an offer from all those 3. The last company called me back after I had already made my decision so it was 4 out of 4 wanted to interview. Haynes offered me a position at $3-$5 less than the others but I saw the potential for progress. I was able to get a second offer a little closer and decided to make the jump. Today was my first day and so far the people seem great to work with. There is no limit to what can be accomplished with the right attitude and the willingness to work hard to achieve your goals.

[Chris]

Great to hear Cliff, congratulations! I'm not surprised at your success after reading previous posts which show dedication, enthusiasm & a great attitude! :thumb:

[Swank1975]

Awesome

Companies are desperate for help. If you have your basic hvac skills you have a job. It's going to get more extreme in the next 10 years. Huge skill vacuum in the trades!

[Brucker]

WooHoo! Congrats Cliff!

[Brad]

Congrats Cliff!
Automotive field is heading in that same direction. Not enough skilled techs is finally equaling higher pay.

[Hypoid]

Way to go Cliff!