My folks weren’t for the idea of learning a trade instead of getting a degree. They kept saying the degree would help me pay for the student loans. But, I wasn’t ready to pay for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instead, I’d go to college, and get my certification in HVAC technology. Eventually, they saw sense in my assessment and paid for my training at the local community college. They have an excellent HVAC training program, and many of those students find it easy to find entry level positions in different HVAC companies. I completed my studies and got my HVAC certification. A month later, I was working at a local HVAC company as an apprentice. Basically, the boss pairs an experienced HVAC professional with a newbie like me, and I get to learn from him/her. In my case, I got a person who had been an HVAC professional for almost two decades. He is so great and made it a point to teach me all I needed to know. After 9 months, it was time for me to go to work on my own. My first assignment was a faulty AC that needed repair. This was the fourth time in one summer they were getting AC repair and I advised them to go with replacement. More AC repair would be costly, and a new unit would save them from the constant discomfort. The family was so grateful for my advice since they knew there was a serious issue with their AC. I got them the best options and did my first install job while working at the HVAC company.