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WHY WOMEN ARE THE ANSWER TO THE HVAC TECHNICIAN SHORTAGES

websitebuilder • Jan 22, 2020

The shortage of skilled labor in the HVAC industry isn’t a secret. The amount of skilled technicians continues to decline, especially as older technicians reach retirement age. Yet, the demand for skilled HVAC technicians continues to rise. This all creates an excellent opportunity for women across the nation. Learn more about the role of women in the HVAC industry.

STEREOTYPES KEEPING WOMEN AWAY FROM HVAC

A shortage of labor but an increase in demand for that labor creates a very serious situation for the HVAC industry. The field needs women to survive, and it needs them as soon as possible.

Woman Standing on the Side — Chicago, IL — HVAC Technical Institute

The painfully low presence of women in the HVAC industry points to some of the long-held stereotypes associated with the industry. Many people believe HVAC work of any type belongs to men.

Of course, there’s no truth to this whatsoever, but it’s a stereotype that seems to have kept women away from the industry for a long time. However, the times are changing, and many HVAC companies are doing their best to attract female technicians to their businesses.

Another stereotype comes from a larger issue involving the view that trade skills should come as a secondary consideration to other educational pursuits. Many places value academic careers over trade skills.

But trade careers are some of the most rewarding and lucrative careers available. Trades often come with far less school debt attached to them as well. People have built whole businesses out of their skilled trade, and women are no exception to this.

ATTITUDES CONCERNING WOMEN IN HVAC CHANGING

The HVAC industry isn’t sitting idly by while the workforce deteriorates. The industry desperately needs skilled workers, and they’re willing to make the changes necessary to become more accommodating and approachable to everyone, women included.

Many of these businesses have realized that women can easily fill the shoes of an HVAC tech and have started to cater to women in hopes of bringing them into the fold. You may find more inclusive training, language, and consideration when looking for opportunities to learn, train, and find employment in the HVAC world.

HVAC companies are creating recruitment drives, job fairs, scholarships, and various other incentives to attract women. For the companies, it can help them fill positions. Female employees can also help them appear more progressive, which can attract even more women to the business.

INITIATIVE OF WOMEN IN HVAC ON THE RISE

The changes in the HVAC industry aren’t one-sided. Many women have noticed the benefits of an HVAC career and have taken it upon themselves to find the training necessary to join the industry. When discussing an HVAC career, many people can automatically assume hard labor or long hours.

In truth, the HVAC industry exists on multiple levels, just like any business. Women can join the skilled labor force, take up management roles, do administrative work, or start their own HVAC businesses. HVAC companies include installers, repairers, manufacturers, mechanics, and other positions.

The need for HVAC technicians exists everywhere. Women who go down this path can find work in homes, offices, large facilities, and small companies. An HVAC career isn’t a dead end. You will always have the opportunity to grow, change, and do more.

Groups like Women of HVAC and Women in HVACR exist and continue to grow. Women don’t need permission, nor do they need to jump through hoops if they want to enter the HVAC field.

REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN HVAC GOOD FOR THE INDUSTRY

Women can bring some much-needed representation to the HVAC industry. As with other service careers, clients and customers often feel more at ease when dealing with someone who they feel they can relate to.

Additionally, women tend to have strong interpersonal and customer service skills. These skills help with HVAC work because people like to deal with those who can both deliver on the needed work and speak to them in a personable way. More women in the field introduces new dimensions to how the field handles customer service and dealing with a variety of clients.

TRAINING FOR WOMEN TO START AN HVAC CAREER

Women can start an HVAC career or any skilled trade career by doing some research into the field and applying at a reputable HVAC school. The path toward a rewarding career starts with education and certification.

Really, HVAC offers opportunities that many industries can’t. True, it’s a male-dominated industry at the moment, but that can change quickly as more women enter the HVAC workforce. The HVAC sector doesn’t contain any jobs that a woman cannot excel at. The largest barrier to entry for women is the preconceived notions of what an HVAC career entails.

Don’t let old school ideas stop you from a rewarding, competitive, and relevant career. Contact the HVAC Technical Institute to find out what steps you need to take to become part of the growing HVAC industry.

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