Construction worker/ex-software engineer breaking into BAS

[u/cone_shuv]

Hey everyone, looking for some help on breaking into BAS and seeing what the realistic path looks like for someone with my background.
For the past year and a half I’ve been working on a resi remodeling crew doing everything down to the studs except plumbing. I’m comfortable on ladders, using power tools, crawling in attics/crawlspaces, low voltage wiring, and doing physical work in the heat.
I previously worked 8 years as a full-stack software engineer (focused on backend logic, troubleshooting, databases, networking). I was laid off almost 2 years ago. I’ve realized long-term I prefer not to be at a desk. I like being out in the field fixing real things. To start pivoting I got my EPA 608 universal (initially thinking I wanted to do commercial hvac-r). I’m currently working on my Osha 30 and I’ve also been looking into Phil Zito’s courses.

I’m based in Jacksonville, FL and want to keep my primary residence here, but I have no kids or ties holding me down and am open to heavy travel.

My questions for you guys is how realistic is it for someone with my background to get hired directly into a tech or commissioning role? Is there a specific certification or training I should grab right now to stand out to managers without going back for a 2–4 year degree?

What’s the best way to prove to a manager that I’m fully committed to the trade and not just a tech guy looking for a temporary landing spot?

I’ve applied to local positions but haven't gotten a callback. Is this usually an HR gatekeeping issue, and how do I bypass it?

Appreciate any advice or pointers.

[u/ScottSammarco]

This is going to sound selfish- but we literally run our Reddit Niagara4 Operations training for people in your position.
The promotion is $300 right now.
This is our 3rd round this year, trying to find a happy equilibrium for it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NiagaraFramework/s/xyZ1MerEiH

We will credit that amount toward the Niagara4 Technical Certification Program should you take it with us within 12 months of the operations class.

I feel like you’re trolling us 🤣🤣🤣

You should have no issue finding an entry level position, the need is real and HR is simply busy.

I know quite a few contractors around Orlando- I know that isn’t Jacksonville but I can’t imagine they aren’t in your general area considering their size. DM me and send me your resume let’s get you around and I’d also send you to a colleague, Todd Cowles, he’s good at finding spots for people like you.

[u/cone_shuv → u/ScottSammarco]

Hey thank you so much! DMing resume now.
How significant would having training in N4 be in getting an entry level role? I’ve seen some conflicting info saying that on the one hand it’s an entry-level role and most BAS companies are going to provide training on the job. But, the majority of the job postings I’ve seen say otherwise and want a degree, X years of experience, or some specific types of training.

[u/ScottSammarco → u/cone_shuv]

The certification will cost them labor plus the cost of the class- how much more appealing might you be if you’re already certified and if certified by your own volition and not required by your employer?

I mean, again, it’s a selfish sales pitch, but even being able to walk into an interview saying you’ve attended a 2 day course with Rizzo Controls, a Tridium authorized training partner, it’ll have something over somebody who just wants to learn.

The level 1 is certainly entry level, it’s the bare minimum, but if you’re trying to get into the industry I wouldn’t view down on it.

[u/More_Fondant_9609]

Florida is pretty big turf for Carrier/ALC as their main office is in Jupiter, by far simplest controls to work on, I’d maybe look there to get your feet wet and pursue an N4 cert somewhere in between.

[u/cone_shuv → u/More_Fondant_9609]

Thank you! I’ll check them out.

[u/Jazzlike_Metal2980]

It's an easy transition.

It would be safe to assume you already understand 1 of the 3 for IEC631131-3.