"In 2015, women comprised 57 percent of the national labor force, according to the DOL; however, only 1.7 percent of the total employed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration installers and technicians were women. Women represent an untapped resource for the HVACR industry."
Hiring a new HVAC technician can be extremely difficult, because techs must be equipped with many skills to adequately complete the job and satisfy customers. The problem may lie in the systems you have setup for new hires.
Contractors are constantly looking for ways to build stronger relationships with their technicians as well as train and educate their staffs. The ride-along accomplishes each of these things.
In 2008, the state of Iowa passed statewide legislation requiring all HVAC technicians to be licensed. It’s a measure other states have taken, as well, with each state having unique criteria to determine the steps necessary to acquire such a license.
A skilled trades apprenticeship, specifically within HVAC, prepares up-and-coming technicians for a fulfilling career in a trade that doesn’t get the attention or publicity it so rightly deserves, as nearly everyone who goes through apprenticeship comes out a winner.
This workshop took the unique approach of gathering HVAC educators and presenters from all across the country and allowing them to share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and lessons to help shape the future of the industry.
The skills gap is just one topic frequently discussed within the HVAC industry, and reasonable discussion and a healthy dialogue between contractors can only benefit everyone moving forward. Your means of contributing may differ from the guy across the street, and that is perfectly fine.
Whether it’s creating a scholarship, partnering with a local organization, or encouraging students to pursue mechanical trades opportunities; there are no excuses to be made. It’s time to get with the program — a scholarship program.