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Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson
00:39

Michael Johnson

UA Local 467

Burlingame, CA USA

"Whatever it is that’s important to you, [our union] has a spot for you."

Career Roadmap

Michael's work combines: Technology, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

5th Year HVAC Instructor

I train students in HVAC, blending hands-on learning with theory to prepare them for real-world system maintenance.

04:50

Day In The Life Of An HVAC Technician

My Day to Day

My day begins with the challenge of maintaining and installing HVAC systems, ensuring that every building—whether it's a restaurant, bio lab, or office—remains perfectly climate-controlled. I start by analyzing the schematics and assessing any issues with refrigeration units. I mentor others in the trade, sharing my passion and helping them understand the intricacies of the systems we work on. My work is all about precision, reliability, and keeping the essential systems running smoothly.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I started my career journey doing odd jobs, including working as a grocery store bagger—but I realized I needed a more stable career.

  • 2.

    My dad encouraged me to explore HVAC, which sparked my interest and led me to pursue training.

  • 3.

    I connected with a mentor who introduced me to the HVAC union, where I quickly excelled and embraced the competitive nature of the training.

  • 4.

    After completing my training, I secured a job in HVAC and began building my career, fueled by the support and camaraderie within the union.

  • 5.

    My passion for teaching emerged when I realized I wanted to help others succeed, just as my mentors had helped me.

  • 6.

    As an instructor, I became determined to teach in a way that reaches every student while adapting my approach to fit their unique learning styles.

  • 7.

    Today, I enjoy a fulfilling career in HVAC, where I not only solve technical problems but also mentor the next generation of tradespeople.