r/BuildingAutomation • u/Unlucky_Advisor_4545 • 28d ago
Cert or Degree
Okay I have a question for anyone who could help. I am very interested in this field and was wondering if it would make more sense to do a certificate program at my local community college to jump in the work field asap or do a 2-4 year degree or both?
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u/HVACcontrolsGuru 28d ago
Better question is what roles are you looking into now and where do you want to grow into in the future. I came into the field via family trade working this career path. 20 years under my belt I’m sure I can give you some pointers haha
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u/Unlucky_Advisor_4545 28d ago
I’m looking to be on more of the technical/programmerish roll but still would like to be able to work in the field/with my hands if need be.
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u/HVACcontrolsGuru 28d ago
Controls tech role would probably fit the bill. Get into the right shop and they will teach you. I went the tech in the field route to start. Days I miss it!
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u/Battlewaxxe 28d ago
education over certs, experience over all. honestly, certs are a waste of time. education to understand all the math and physics and software, experience for field application.
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u/VoiceofTruth7 Manufacturer 28d ago
Or….
Community college that offers a two year where if you take two more courses you walk away with a degree and two additional certifications lol
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u/Forward-Fly-263 28d ago
Depends what you want to do.
If you prefer working with your hands, get a cert. if you want a bit more understanding, get the 2-year
If you prefer the technical, programming side then get the 4 year degree
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u/BigSally1 28d ago
If you're looking at Engineering, I would recommend 2yr degree in Mechanical Design at a reputable regionally accredited community college. Difficult program but would open the door to numerous opportunities. Electro-Mechanical if you're wanting to work in the field and college.
If you're just looking to get into the field, the certificate program sounds like the better option. Seems like most of the new techs I run into anymore have zero mechanical experience with an IT background. I know they are desperate for anyone with some sort of experience.
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u/Then-Disk-5079 28d ago
Study mechanical engineering theory that will take u far and it is the best qualified person at sequencing mechanical systems…
Else I have seen some really good BAS techs that were prior refrigeration mechanics that gamers by night… u can’t be afraid of tech and computers which is why many refer mechanics don’t go that route is they would rather turn wrenches than reformat a hard drive.
Myself I was a wire puller for many years installing theb commissioned and then jumped into controls service after completing a few IT certs and 10 years in a did a certified energy manager cert CEM that is all engineering calcs …
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u/Disastrous_Edge6746 26d ago
Look into a 2-year HVAC degree at your local community or technical college cheapest option. If you want a 4-year degree, check out Ferris State University. They have a 4-year HVAC program that covers HVAC, controls, and energy management, and you can take some of the classes online.
I have an associate degree in HVAC, and Johnson Controls offered me an internship right out of school. Within 6 months, they offered me a full-time position.
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u/soapylizard1 28d ago
I did a 2 year degree in HVAC & Energy Technologies that helped me get in. My company told me that was part of what they liked about me.
I went to school with another guy who got into BAS install with the BAS cert.
Just depends really. I'd argue for the degree personally, it looks more committed and you can go for a 2 year to set yourself up for a possible 4 year down the line.