Specifically looking for advice from union guys but all feedback, questions, and roasts are welcome.
TL;DR I’m going through a career identity crisis and would like feedback on where my expectations should be. I'm looking into organizing into a union and how that'll go because despite 9 years of experience I have decent gaps in knowledge
Hey fellas, I first started doing HVAC when I joined the USAF in 2017. I was active duty but I stayed at the same base all nine years so I got really good at that installation's equipment. I did go to the Middle East twice to do HVAC, and once to manage the preventative maintenance program for that base.
In general: I'm good at electrically troubleshooting and following a schematic. I know hydronics and can maintain/replace pumps, seals, gaskets, motors, etc. Same with fan motors, blades, and belts. I've installed a couple large expansion tanks
For cooling: I have A LOT of experience on maintenance and repair of FCUs, chillers, DX w/ AHUs, traditional "residential" splits, and geothermal heat pumps. I know the refrigeration cycle and roughly what state refrigerant should be at different points. I know how to measure subcool and superheat. I know how to charge via weight, subcool, (beer can feel lol) etc. One of those trips to the middle east I was installing 1-2 Carrier 410A mini splits every day for almost 9 months. My solder and brazing is solid on 3/4" and gets questionable the larger it gets. I know all the hand tools and techniques for most common jobs.
For heating: I know the basic fundamentals, but I've never even used a flue analyzer or manometer outside of training. I know the basic sequence of operation of purge, gas, ignition, flame sensor, blower, satisfied/post purge.
Where I don't have a lot of experience/knowledge is: (intermediate) heating because where I was stationed we contracted most of it out. I also don’t have any experience with cooling towers or VRF. My controls knowledge is limited to looking at the BAS's telemetry and the inputs/outputs. I've also bound sensors on Trane CGAM chillers and a couple on Carrier and York.
I got out in August 2026 and convinced myself that I wanted to do apartment maintenance because I was sent to work with the dorm management and I was on the admin side but would still do minor stuff before we sent it to the shops. I was wrong lol. Now I'm 2 months in to this job and even though I'm maxing out the pay range for my position ($35.50) it's not enough for where we live and our long term goals. I also HATE going into roach infested apartments EVERY SINGLE WEEK. I follow pest control on the day he comes and I can't do this every week for the foreseeable next few years.
I'm looking into the union near me and organizing in. I'm sure I'll do well if they give me a written test because I'm good at recall, facts, and test taking. I'm a little worried if they give me a practical test involving heating, but I'm not hopeless.
All this to ask: IF I get a chance to join a union, where do you guys think I'd place with what I know. 3rd-4th year apprentice? Journeyman? Thank you in advance!
TL;DR I’m going through a career identity crisis and would like feedback on where my expectations should be. I'm looking into organizing into a union and how that'll go because despite 9 years of experience I have decent gaps in knowledge