Routes to get into HVAC

I’ve been thinking about getting into a trade for awhile and I’m about to finally make it happen. I’ve worked in dead end factories since I was 18 (currently 31) and I’m over it. Really leaning towards HVAC. I’m just curious some routes of getting into it after school/courses. I’ve seen a ton of people say “call around and find a job to take you on as an apprentice.” The college in my town has an entry level HVAC course I’m probably going to take. I’m kind of confused because it says it’s 100% online so I’m going to talk to an advisor this week to see how that works lol.

I’m not the kind of person that thinks I’ll take a course, get a certificate and make $200,000 a year right into it. I’m willing to learn and bust my ass and work my way up, I just don’t really know how it works. Go to school then what.

Also while I’m asking questions on here…….since I’ve been researching HVAC I’ve seen a lot of people talking about traveling for work. What industry of HVAC can have you traveling?