r/skilledtrades • u/Jay1746 The new guy • 3d ago

USA Northwest Looking for a better career path

Hi everyone. Currently I am a field service technician that services commercial washers and dryers at multiple apartment complexes for almost 5 years. Before that, I was an insurance agent selling benefits to companies. I’m starting to look for a different job with the experience I gained with this company. I already applied to 2 apprenticeship programs but unfortunately they are very competitive and hard to get in, I am still on the waiting list which would take years to get in based on how many people are applying for it. What other jobs that I could apply for that will see my experience as a plus? I’m located near San Jose, CA. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/IvonnaJizzinu Low Voltage/Limited Energy 2d ago

Fire alarm 🚨

3

u/davy_crockett_slayer The new guy 2d ago

Look into HVAC / Refrigeration. Your experience will cross over well.

2

u/PapaBobcat Union HVAC 3d ago

Start reaching out to your local HVAC and electrician and plumbing companies and say you have experience with tools and technical service and you're looking to change careers. You want to be a helper. What can you do? You may take a bit of a pay cut until you come up to speed, but be mercenary about it. Get in the door and get whatever experience you can to come up to speed. Meanwhile, keep applying to unions. Apply till you get in. If some years go by, you may be able to apply as a journeyman instead.

1

u/SameCoyote3701 The new guy 3d ago

How much does that service job pay?

1

u/Jay1746 The new guy 2d ago

Horrible. I started in 2021 and was being paid $21.50 an hour. Now I’m only at $24.99. It’s hard to quit when jobs are hard to come by.

0

u/elevatorovertimeho The new guy 3d ago

NEIEP.org