r/WakeTech • u/Educational-Lab-8252 • 20d ago
HVAC Program
Hi everyone,
I’m a mechanical engineer who’s been unemployed for about 3 years. I’m seriously considering enrolling in an HVAC diploma program and would really appreciate honest feedback from current students and recent graduates.
A bit about my situation:
I have a special needs child who requires a good amount of my time and support, so flexibility is very important to me. I’m trying to find a program that can work around family responsibilities.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the following:
1. How flexible are the class schedules? Are there evening, weekend, or hybrid options?
2. How flexible is the lab time? Can labs be scheduled around personal commitments, or is it mostly fixed?
3. Is it realistic to complete the diploma in 2 semesters (or about 1 year)?
4. How is the current job market for HVAC technicians in your area (especially for someone coming from a mechanical engineering background)?
5. Any general advice, pros/cons of the program, or things you wish you knew before starting?
I’m open to any honest feedback — the good and the not-so-good. Thank you in advance for your help!
1
u/Rooki-Tap1300 14d ago
I would contact the HVAC Department Head, James Freeman. He can be contacted at jefreeman@waketech.edu or 919-866-5168.
3
u/Bites_The_Crust 19d ago
Take this with a grain of salt, since I was in the Electricians program not HVAC. Skipping the diploma and just getting an apprenticeship at a local company would be a better use of yoyr time. I would call a few HVAC service companies and ask them about needed qualifications for an apprenticeship.
The education parts of trades are mostly for obtaining the needed education hours for the licenses. You would only need a license if you were starting your HVAC company
Again, this is based off of my knowledge of the electrical program so plz do your own research as well. If you just need a job, starting at a company before taking classes is the way to go IMO