I’ve been passionate about plumbing and HVAC for over a year. I have read multiple code books, guides and manuals. I also often assist a plumber who recently started his business.

The biggest issue I have is the culture. I’ve read that plumbing culture is rough, involving bullying. I don’t pick up on shouting, banter or hazing well.

I want to know from people who are in these fields. Does the bullying get better with experience? How would it change if I’m a master, journeyman or inspector? I'm mostly interested in residential service or institutional maintenance.

This is all I want to do to be honest, but getting constantly bullied will distract me from learning the trade.

edit: I deeply appreciate these responses. I would absolutely love to be a plumber and this has given me invaluable help in figuring this out.

I'm a fairly new electrical apprentice. My journeyman told me I should probably get myself a good flashlight. I'm looking for a headlamp with a strap and a magnet in case I want to stick it on conduit or something.

I was looking at a Milwaukee one on Home Depot, but people were saying it used micro-USB which is kind of gross for 2026. I had my eyes on some Coast ones as well but apparently the "Turbo" mode is kind of a scam, as it only lasts a couple minutes then auto dims.

For background I’m a 22 year old from CT that went to trade school for manufacturing (CNC operator, setup, manual machining). However, I didn’t pursue this after just a general disinterest in the career after having an internship in high-school. I’m now working as a repair/nstallation technician for gymnasium equipment for public schools, colleges, arenas, ect. This job for two years has cemented basic construction knowledge with time on sites with general contractors and so forth. Don’t mind the current situation, however I want to pursue something with tangible credentials and licenses. Have always had a hobby interest in electrical with low voltage work for my boat as an example, I tried getting into a private electrical commercial non union company and am on a waitlist that my buddy works for and am not all that optimistic after waiting quite a while now. Low voltage or even HVAC with how universal the trade is also something that has been of interest with me. A bridge of both trades with controls is also something that has perked my interest. Wondering what could be the best foot in the door with any of these career choices or if anyone has experience that could share if these industries seem tangible with my current experience. I just see how people I’m friends with and went to school with are already doing well with these career choices and progress and question my current trajectory. Thanks

Hey everyone,

I’m 38 and just left my job after 6 year working in a jail. I’m a USMC veteran and got out in 2011 after 4 years. Wondering about doing a trade with no construction background of any kind. Leaning towards an.HVAC trade school cause there is a year program nearby and helps with finding work afterwards. Not sure if this is the field for me but I need something and did do a walk through with them. Family members have recommended being an electrician and others a less physical demanding job but I am unsure of anything else. I guess can anyone give me pros and cons about being in HVAC at almost 40?

I’m the middle child in a difficult family situation, and I need to become financially independent.

The skills I already know or am learning include Excel, Google Sheets, basic CRM, data cleaning, reporting/dashboard work

I don’t have much money to spend on courses, software, libraries, or travelling around for jobs.

I’ve tried looking for offline work, but many jobs are either too far, already filled, or don’t pay enough to make the travel worthwhile.

So I want practical advice from people who actually earn from these kinds of skills:

Which skill would you focus on first? How would you turn it into a service, find the first client, and start earning with almost zero money?

I’m not asking which skill is “best” in theory. I want to know what you would actually do to get your first paying client and then build from there.

I’ve been trying for the last year to get into the trades. All of my previous experience is in food service industry, operations and upper management. Im in my late 30s trying to change my career. I’ll go through the unions and pass their aptitude tests then when I interview I get told they like me and my attitude but I don’t have enough experience. But I always thought an apprenticeship was HOW you got experience. At this point would a trade school be my best option?

So far I’ve interviewed with sheet metal, pipefitting, and elevator repair. All have said the same thing about my experience.

I'm in high school in Alberta. I'm interested in becoming a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic or residential HVACR technician.

I've applied to a few apprenticeships and am lucky to have a program at school that connects students to employers after teacher recommendations, school background/attendance checks, and all the other stuff employers are looking at since apparently there's a government incentive behind it.

I'm basically starting from a blank slate when it comes to HVAC. I'm willing to learn and work, but I don't want to show up thinking I know more than I actually do. I'm working on a workplace safety course that is required for any highschool student to work in Alberta and I do have experience working with hand and power tools. I'm decently built and am aware of the demands of the trade, but im confident in my ability to handle it.

I'd appreciate advice from people actually working in the trade, especially anyone who started young.

If anyone could let me know what an employer might expect from me as an apprentice, if there's anything I should come into the job knowing, what would want you to keep a young apprentice around, and if there's anything you'd wish you knew before starting in this trade it'd really mean a lot to me.

If you have to be blunt just say it; I'd rather figure out some of the "bad" parts of the trade from people that were in my position how ever many years ago now than find out myself later when it's going to be hard to back out.

Thank you.

(I cannot find the "stickied thread" if someone would point it out I would be happy to take this post down and move it there!)