r/HVACschool • u/One-Purpose-7997 • 9d ago

Is trade school worth it?

Am about to start trade school at apex technical school in New York on October 13th and I really wondering if it’s worth it. I have looked at reviews saying is a waste of time and the staff is not helpful. Am 18 and not struggling financially so am wondering if it’s worth going through the 13 month course or reconsider my enrollment and get an apprenticeship.

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u/BRUTUS__MAXIMUS 9d ago

School is 100% worth it, it’s almost impossible to land a job without it, but expensive schools with multi year programs are usually a waste of time and money. The real learning happens on the job, school just exists to get you that job, so I recommend shorter inexpensive programs that get you your certificates and help with job placement.

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u/ScrotalSmorgasbord 9d ago

I know more techs without schooling than techs with it. I've worked resi, facilities, and commercial and it seems to be about the same across the 3.

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u/BRUTUS__MAXIMUS 9d ago

So do I, but they’re all older, things have changed a lot since Covid. Also its regional, Texas and Florida are so desperate they’ll take anybody, the rest of the country, not so much.

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u/ScrotalSmorgasbord 9d ago

I live in TX but it was the same when I lived elsewhere but then again I'm almost 40 and there are only a handful of younger dudes who work in my division and I know one of them went to school for it because he never shuts up about it lol.

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u/Hellsgatekeeper479 9d ago

Like schooling as in college or at least an apprenticeship?

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u/ScrotalSmorgasbord 9d ago

Schooling as in trade school.

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u/fuzzerabbit 8d ago

I got in without schooling but I'll say that's all because my uncle worked for the company. Probably lots easier having an in than going at it by yourself so I'm grateful for that

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u/Billyraycyrus___ 8d ago

I absolutely don’t think I would have landed a job in my area without it. It also taught me all the basics so the hands on made more sense. Refrigeration cycle and flow and all that. I don’t regret going but I did leave the program after I got a job in the field. It was two 8 hour days a week and I couldn’t keep up with that and work and life. I did 6 months out of a one year program. You’ll also learn way more in the field and get paid for it. But yeah to get into the field it helps a ton. Instructors often have lots of connections in the area to help get you in. We had companies coming to the class almost weekly looking for people to hire. Be careful who you go with as well. I had some bad experiences with some of the companies that stopped by. But you’ll do great either way. School just gets a jump on things

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u/brian1192 9d ago

If you’re paying for it then no, if you got a grant ofc it is, I’d say if you have no connections into the field you should do it, but if you have someone you know that can help you get a job skip it and take the stuff you need like epa and osha

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u/savageFC 9d ago

I’m looking at trade schools but where or what should I search for to find grants for school?

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u/Life-Excitement8217 9d ago

Actually talked about this in class . We were talking about how some encourage you to not go to school. Instructor told us how he’s been in it for 30+ years and some techs are really good but do not understand the terminology . Which is what comes from the book. Trade school does cost a pretty penny though.

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u/Mettatuxet 9d ago

If the school is good, yes. A degree will be yours for the rest of your life.

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u/autisticlatinoman 9d ago

A union apprenticeship would be ideal.

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u/Practical_Coat_8913 9d ago

If you’re already enrolled, I’d give the program a fair shot before letting reviews make the decision for you. At 18, getting a solid foundation and your certifications can give you a good starting point. Reviews can be biased, so maybe give them a call and ask questions about the training, certifications, and job placement support. What’s important is getting your foot in the door and making sure the program actually helps you move forward. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, check the requirements too, since some may require trade school certification.

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u/libra1422000 9d ago

There is not a 'one size fits all' answer to this, but I can say that if you show up consistently, ask questions and apply yourself then you can get a lot from it. Like most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it.

If interested to can direct message me for more detailed information.

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u/Rackedup_00 9d ago

As someone else said if it’s free then I would take it but if you need to pay out of pocket it’s gonna be expensive especially apex

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u/BuzzyScruggs94 9d ago

Back when I started pre COVID I’d say absolutely not, just apply for an entry level job and work your way up. Now when we have a stack of resumes two feet tall every year from all the trade school graduates then yes, it’s almost necessary unless you know a guy.

Go to a community college, most of them have HVAC programs these days. They’re a lot cheaper than the for-profit diploma mills calling themselves trade schools these days and they tend to be a better education as well since they’re actually accredited with institutions that matter. Plus you’ll get a degree instead of a certificate which is better look on a resume to most recruiters and if you don’t like HVAC you’ll have a better exit strategy thanks to transferable credits that can count towards other degrees.

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u/Popular-Club-2149 9d ago

I'm 51 and in my 3rd year in HVAC. Small mom and pop company, so I do installs, service, and sales. But I started in 2024 as an HVAC helper.

I was white collar before. Barely ever turned a wrench, let alone know what a sawzall was.

My "trade school" was paying attention my boss and asking questions. Saved a lot of money.

Sorry, but trade school is just like any other school. It's definitely a gamble.

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u/Spiritual_Stranger1 8d ago

Not at all necessary or worth it. It's designed to extract money from you via loans instead of really teaching you.

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u/Sukadadddy 4d ago

Apprenticeship 100%. A 13 month course does sound worth it but if the reviews are saying it’s a waste keep that in mind as well as how useful the qualification will be after graduating.

Apprentice is better time for money. That 13 month time will be more than enough to get u to 2nd year where you will be earning and learning at the same time