AHR Trending Topic
Workforce Development

“As the industry continues to transition to the next generation of refrigerants, it is important to ensure technicians have the training and resources necessary for successful installation of new products, and for customers to understand how the transition impacts product availability and performance. Overall, PHCC cannot overstate how critical it is for the industry to stay the course as implementation of the AIM Act continues. We must understand that turning back or otherwise interfering with timelines will only add to economic burdens for both contractors and customers, while putting the U.S. at a global disadvantage in the HVAC market.”

– Cindy Sheridan, PHCC

“Training the existing workforce is one of the most significant challenges employers face today. The costs associated with pulling team members off the job for training can be substantial. An employee in the classroom cannot simultaneously be in a customer’s home generating revenue to cover their wages. While this is not a new issue, it has become more difficult in today’s environment — where workforce numbers are shrinking just as the industry undergoes a major technological transition.

Another challenge is as the demands for increased knowledge continue to grow, the length of technical training programs continue to see a reduction in hours. There are some who believe you can take a green person, with no knowledge and have them in a truck in just a few weeks.”

– Clifton Beck, ESCO Group