Citing a need to stem the declining HVACR workforce and an increased demand for skilled technicians, the council adopted seven strategies to meet the problem head-on.

1. Proactive industry leaders and spokespersons.

2. Begin with the end in mind — industry-based certification.

3. First things first — kick-start HVAC Excellence certification in schools, colleges.

4. Win/win — work-related learning attracts young talent.

5. Seek first to understand — the skill gap hurts everyone.

6. We get a certain synergy through partnering.

7. “Sharpen the saw” — Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) projects.

For more information, contact Chris Weaver, executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, at 225-342-2462 or cweaver@idsmail.com.

Publication date: 07/21/2003