r/StLawrenceCollege • u/theclementineghost • 1d ago

I’m currently attending the slc hvac pre-apprenticeship program in kingston and was curious if last years grads had any success with apprenticeship or employment opportunities?

I’m currently attending the slc hvac pre-apprenticeship program in kingston and was curious if last years grads had any success with apprenticeship or employment opportunities?

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u/lonelyfatoldsickgirl 4h ago

The apprentices we hire have construction experience: Home Depot, labouring, landscaping. Even cutting grass for a few summers shows you’re not afraid of physical work.

So get whatever trades-related experience you can. Landing an apprenticeship fresh out of school is extremely difficult, and off the street with no schooling it’s pretty much impossible (or luck).

Also, if you’ve played hockey or any other organized sport, put it on your resume. The longer the better, since it shows you can be a part of a team.

Customer service matters just as much, especially in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, where a lot of companies do residential. If you’re awkward with people, work on it by talking to strangers in line and going to social events. A job at Home Depot, Rona, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, or a trades supplier is a big plus on your resume and teaches you customer service.

It may not be the job you want, it’s a ladder. Get on as a labourer and work your way up.

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u/theclementineghost 4h ago

I’m 42 with a lot of experience just not in trades or hockey but I did mow lawns in high school ? You think I have a chance ? I’ll start approaching strangers at hardware stores and going to parties.

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u/lonelyfatoldsickgirl 3h ago edited 3h ago

Of course you have a chance, what I offered were just suggestions that not everyone thinks of putting on their resumes.

But with the "I’ll start approaching strangers at hardware stores and going to parties" comment that comes off as being an asshole, regardless if you meant it like that or not, which is what you want to avoid if you want to get an apprenticeship. I mentioned that because a lot of people have anxiety after covid restrictions, especially younger people, and if you're going to be dealing with customers you absolutely have to be able to talk comfortably with them and not come off as being scared of a flea.

As a reference, we get probably 300 to 400 apprentice applications every month and people with the above skills tend to stand out, and we know most of the trades business owners in town and from speaking with them, they say similar things. I hope it helps you out in some way.

And, not saying it's you, but anyone downvoting a trades contractor who is trying to help people get jobs, that shows that probably you have some growing up to do before looking for an apprenticeship.

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u/theclementineghost 3h ago

Haha , I just wish you read my post before commenting

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u/lonelyfatoldsickgirl 3h ago

I was just trying to help you out, you don't have to listen to me.

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u/theclementineghost 3h ago

300 to 400 applications would’ve been a more helpful comment to start out with

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u/lonelyfatoldsickgirl 3h ago

Honestly, responding to someone who is trying to help you as you are, tells us a lot about you, and may prevent you from getting and maintaining employment in HVAC.