I did all the schooling to be a HVAC contractor.
I shadowed a real HVAC technician for over a year.
Every job he went on I was right there. I handed the guy tools, deduced HVAC repairs and assisted him with difficult jobs. I mainly carried tools and cleaned up after jobs. I have to say though, I was a great HVAC technician assist. My guy and I could get any HVAC job in under an hour. The house was left clean and the customers were happy. I also got along with my HVAC technician. I was so in love with the profession that I rushed getting my HVAC certification. I took all the tests and got NATE certified. I have the knowledge of the field and the experience. Well, after being certified I got to be on my own for jobs. I realized that I am a great assistant, but a terrible HVAC contractor. I can see what needs to be done, but I actually can’t make the HVAC repair. I watched my previous HVAC guy do it, but never actually did it myself. So for ductwork cleaning I frequently make holes in the air ducts. When I clean a fan motor belt, I tear it. With gas hookups on a furnace, I install them wrong every time. People have been complaining about me. I wish I would have stayed the assistant. I like the clean up and handling of the tool portion of the job. I am just not as handy with the tools as I thought.