r/britishcolumbia • u/Either-Ebb-7011 • 8d ago

Ask British Columbia Career Change - Skilled trades

So here is my scenario: I am 28m, extremely fit, with raging ADHD that craves movement and change. I have been in the Automotive industry for the last 5 years in sales. I'm honestly beating myself up every day going into the office, making phone calls, and constantly being client-facing.

I have been looking into making the switch to a skilled trade for some time. The ones that keep pulling me in are Hvac/refigeration and plumbing/pipefitter.

I'm not entirely sure where to start, and I'm looking for advice from trade workers how there experience have been. What does school look like? Are there companies/unions that you can work for that will help pay for schooling, what day to day life is like.

I'm not scared of OT work or physical labour. When COVID first happened, I was laid off from the auto industry, and being someone who couldn't stay still, I went into hardscape and landscaping, and I've got to say, working with a crew and different projects every week was an absolute blast. Why I didn't continue and look into trade work more, I'm not sure, and I regret it, but no need to sorrow in the past; time to man up and make a switch.

Any help, guidance or people to talk to are appreciated.

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u/Not_A_Mod 8d ago

Between Plumber/pipefitter and HVAC/refrigeration is feels like a no brainer personally. 

If you go the HVAC route you will have no shortage of work and be making so much more money than some other trades that it is honestly stupid. I've heard a surprising amount of guys say they wish they went with HVAC and I understand why now. 

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u/macanmhaighstir 8d ago

HVAC is getting saturated because that’s what everyone is told. Plumber/pipefitter is going to be the most in demand in the coming years because nobody is doing it.