Latest from Columns

3133479 © Kmitu | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_3133479
Discover effective tactics for HVAC contractors to manage the impact of tariffs and rising prices, such as real-time pricing adjustments, financing offers, and budget-friendly...
May 5, 2025
76393854 © Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_76393854
Financing solutions have become a crucial strategy for HVAC contractors amidst economic uncertainty, empowering them to drive growth and stay competitive.
April 29, 2025
197410307 © Auremar | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xl_106274478
Yes, the industry has changed, and many contractor owners see the benefits of having women employees on their team — they often bring a different mindset and inherent qualities...
March 14, 2025
ID 284747243 © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_284747243
Technology and automation create significant opportunities for women in skilled trades, such as accessibility by eliminating geographical barriers.
March 4, 2025
ID 331610734 © Thodonal | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xl_331610734
A lot of the contractors who sold are in their 40s and 50s. That’s young enough to build another company.
March 3, 2025
54214821 | Boxing Gloves © Refat Mamutov | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_xxl_54214821
We often hear about the processes we need to implement to make our businesses run smoother. What we don’t often talk about are the gut punches that occur along the way.
Jan. 31, 2025
notebooks
There are many people to thank as I step down from my position as Contracting Business Editor-in-Chief.
Dec. 4, 2024
adventtr/Royalty-free Collection / iStock / Getty Images Plus
exit_maze
When you exit depends on a number of factors, but mostly when both you and your business are ready.
Nov. 1, 2024
winter_and_fall
Graduate from a 'seasonal' mentality to a more diversified approach, to level the peaks and valleys and bring in higher revenues and profits.
Sept. 24, 2024

How About 'Bring Your Parent Who Works in HVACR to School' Day?

Some progress is being made in HVACR career development. Keep it going!
Aug. 3, 2018
4 min read

We see some progress being made related to HVACR-related training and career development. Thanks to all who have helped raise awareness of the dearth of new candidates to meet the technician need, today and in the very near future, and all who are getting in the game.

The EGIA Foundation announced on August 1 the first-ever class of recipients for its scholarship program. Twenty students will each receive $2500, to be used for specialized education and training in 2018-2019 at an accredited or otherwise approved community college, university, or vocational or technical school. During its first year, the EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program reached over 1,000 interested student applicants from 39 states.

The EGIA Foundation is devoted to building the industry workforce through initiatives that include public outreach, media campaigns, scholarships, and more.

“The HVAC industry needs more young adults and professionals entering the workforce considering that the industry is expected to grow and a large portion of the current workforce is planning retire,” said Bruce Matulich, EGIA Foundation Chairman and CEO. “The EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program is our way of bringing visibility to the industry and building awareness and interest with those who may not have otherwise considered a career in HVAC.”

In addition to the financial support it provides, the EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program was created to help increase the number of qualified workers entering an HVAC-related field by expanding awareness of the well-paying careers with high satisfaction rates that exist within it. Many have agreed that awareness has been a huge obstacle to attracting new HVACR students. With the removal of “shop” classes from high schools, HVACR as a career has been a mystery to most students, and parents and high school career advisors tend to be focused on college as the best career option.  

The EGIA Foundation will award another class of students who are pursuing an education in HVAC with its 2019 Scholarship Program. Applications will be accepted starting in the fall of 2018, with awards counting toward the 2019-20 academic year. As the EGIA Foundation grows, the Scholarship Program will expand to include awards in other industry vocations, including solar PV, plumbing, home performance, and more. School administrators, educators, and contractors interested in the scholarship can visit www.EGIAFoundation.org.

You have probably seen the endless parade of special “days” on Twitter: donut day, hotdog day, pizza day, whatever. Would someone please organize a nationwide, “Bring Your Parent Who Works in HVACR to School” day, to help students of all ages see what comfort technology and technician work is all about? As a representative of the HVAC industry's leading contractor publication I will help in any way I can.

Gordy Noe, president of Pioneer Heating & Air Conditioning, Knoxville, Tenn., continues to have success with his “Ride and Decide” program, which gives high school students the opportunity to work in the trade before graduation. He has also promoted the program in front of government and state officials.

I recently visited Bosch Thermotechnology’s new product development facility in Watertown, Mass. During the tour, we were told of Bosch’s outreach to grade school kids, to
describe what is possible with today’s heating and cooling systems. 

On July 31, President Trump reauthorized the Perkins Act through the passage and signing of the “Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.” This will keep grants in place for CTE education.

Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) applauded the Act. Sources say HARDI members have supported this specific bill for the past two years and at the last two HARDI Congressional “Fly-ins,” where they  meet with representatives to help enact change favorable to the industry. It is hoped the Act will result in much more HVACR career awareness and career and business development. 

More needs to be done, and it's best that it be accomplished without too much government intervention, but this progress is encouraging.  

About the Author

Terry McIver

Content Director - CB

A career publishing professional, Terence 'Terry' McIver has served three diverse industry publications in varying degrees of responsibility since 1987, and worked in marketing communications for a major U.S. corporation.He joined the staff of Contracting Business magazine in April 2005.

As director of content for Contracting Business, he produces daily content and feature articles for CB's 38,000 print subscribers and many more Internet visitors. He has written hundreds, if not two or three, pieces of news, features and contractor profile articles for CB's audience of quality HVACR contractors. He can also be found covering HVACR industry events or visiting with manufacturers and contractors. He also has significant experience in trade show planning.

Sign up for Contracting Business Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.