How do we attract talent to the HVACR industry? How do we keep those workers? How do we help them move forward in their careers? These were the questions tackled at the Jan. 24 panel discussion at the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago.
Panelists were: Alison Neuman, North American workforce development program manager at Johnson Controls; Bryan Feilen, senior corporate account manager, Lincoln Tech; Scott Shaw, president and CEO of Lincoln Tech; Jose De La Portilla, senior manager of education and training, Rheem Mfg.; Byran Orr, founder/CEO of HVAC School and Kalos Services; and moderator Dominick Guarino, president and CEO of the National Comfort Institute.
The discussion started with an overview of a joint project between Johnson Controls and Lincoln Tech: JCI Academy, launched in early 2023. The program provides six weeks of intensive training toward full-time employment, as well as housing near the Lincoln Tech campus in Columbia, Md. It was created to provide a pathway to employment at Johnson Controls locations throughout the United States; students transition to JCI positions around the country, with relocation assistance provided.
"We've had 110 graduates so far," Neuman said.
Feilen added: "The program instills confidence, and we have a 95% retention rate."
The biggest problem, according to De La Portilla, is that people don't know about the industry. "We don't let enough people know about the industry and the careers that it offers," he said.
Shaw noted that schools are "desperate" for help, so partnering with a local school would get your company – and what you do – in front of young people.
Company culture is a big part of why techs may choose your company – and why they may eventually leave. Panelists agreed that culture needs to be supportive of workers, especially when trying to attract/keep Gen Z workers.