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Due to life circumstances, these are the options my husband is currently left with. Everything we've seen on Dice et. al. for info tech requires 3-5 years experience so that has him a bit like this -> He spoke with his academic advisor {he is scheduled to start school in the fall} who pretty much said "just complete the degree, the jobs will come" I kind of looked at him like he was out of his mind. So he said 'or if you want a job that always has openings, you could do a construction technology track with a focus on HVAC' But again, I'm not finding a whole lot of entry level openings.
So I'm curious what the broad-range consensus might be. If faced with this choice, which would you choose?
Many HVAC jobs aren't listed because they are union. I know many people in the trades in a variety of geographical areas, and know plumbers and electricians out of work. I don't know any HVAC guys out of work. He should find out who the local union is and have him go talk to them, it would at least give him an idea of whether there is work or not in your area.
Many HVAC jobs aren't listed because they are union. I know many people in the trades in a variety of geographical areas, and know plumbers and electricians out of work. I don't know any HVAC guys out of work. He should find out who the local union is and have him go talk to them, it would at least give him an idea of whether there is work or not in your area.
Great idea---also, ask if he could attend a union meeting, might not due to confidentiality, but couldn't hurt.
My Dad worked for a plumbing company and construction, people were always very nice to him, you would be, too, if you managed a building with 20 backed up toilets! Probably would get the same if the AC was out!
Due to life circumstances, these are the options my husband is currently left with. Everything we've seen on Dice et. al. for info tech requires 3-5 years experience so that has him a bit like this -> He spoke with his academic advisor {he is scheduled to start school in the fall} who pretty much said "just complete the degree, the jobs will come" I kind of looked at him like he was out of his mind. So he said 'or if you want a job that always has openings, you could do a construction technology track with a focus on HVAC' But again, I'm not finding a whole lot of entry level openings.
So I'm curious what the broad-range consensus might be. If faced with this choice, which would you choose?
A degree or certificate
Ok, in the long run, a degree is always, IMO, better. But you guys need something now, or soon. an associates degree takes 2 years, perhaps 1.5 years if you go FT, but still, a lot of time. A certificate would be quicker.
My advice, get the certificate ASAP to get started working, then pick up the Associates PT as you go along. something for now, something for the future. And don't run this plan past any academic advisors, remember, they are just salesmen, selling college courses. Good luck!
We have talked off and on all day, looked over indeed, dice, and all the other job boards both national and local. We also called a different branch of the community college. From what we've come up with, the college offers a certificate and/or an associate of applied science for HVAC. So we're thinking about going after the certification right now, then building on that toward the AAS.
Financially we'll be okay for a year or so. My husband is eligible for 70% stipend through the 9/11 GI bill, so we'll have about half his previous {factory} income coming in, and I'm going to interview at a couple of chain bodywork spas as well as continue to build my clientele here at home. Those two items combined with my child support and the fact we've got about 6 months worth of dry stock and paper goods in the pantry should stand us in good stead for the duration of the certificate part of the program.
Thanks again for the input everyone. I am still puzzled by one thing, in case anyone is still reading. Why is it the HVAC degree program only takes 2 years of school when the apprenticeship program through the union takes 5 years of OTJ during the day and school at night?
I would think that occupations in HVAC, and plumbing would be the way to go in this day and age unless we're planning to outsource our air conditioners, refrigerators and toilets.
Due to life circumstances, these are the options my husband is currently left with. Everything we've seen on Dice et. al. for info tech requires 3-5 years experience so that has him a bit like this -> He spoke with his academic advisor {he is scheduled to start school in the fall} who pretty much said "just complete the degree, the jobs will come" I kind of looked at him like he was out of his mind. So he said 'or if you want a job that always has openings, you could do a construction technology track with a focus on HVAC' But again, I'm not finding a whole lot of entry level openings.
So I'm curious what the broad-range consensus might be. If faced with this choice, which would you choose?
I wouldn't waste time looking on Dice. 95% of the job listings are from recruiters who are just trying to fill their applicant pool. Most of the jobs are not available. I'd say skip the formal education and go for career specific certifications. He can do this on his own time. CCNA, Security+, A+, MCSE, etc. and maybe be an entrepreneur offering his services until he can get with a regular company. I don't know much about HVAC so couldn't comment on that, but he should go with whatever he enjoys doing.
I wouldn't waste time looking on Dice. 95% of the job listings are from recruiters who are just trying to fill their applicant pool. Most of the jobs are not available. I'd say skip the formal education and go for career specific certifications. He can do this on his own time. CCNA, Security+, A+, MCSE, etc. and maybe be an entrepreneur offering his services until he can get with a regular company. I don't know much about HVAC so couldn't comment on that, but he should go with whatever he enjoys doing.
He originally planned to do that but every job listing we found required at least an associates with 2+ years experience, and those were few & far between. Most list minimum requirement #1 as a bachelors. Are we looking in the wrong places or ?
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He spoke with his academic advisor {he is scheduled to start school in the fall} who pretty much said "just complete the degree, the jobs will come" I kind of looked at him like he was out of his mind. So he said 'or if you want a job that always has openings, you could do a construction technology track with a focus on HVAC' But again, I'm not finding a whole lot of entry level openings. 
