Because of the importance of education in the HVACR industry, The NEWS and the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) are proud to announce the winners of this year’s Best Instructor and Best Trainer contests.

People tend to gravitate toward Michael Leonard. It’s this approachability, combined with unmatched industry knowledge, endless hours of dedicated service, and a burning desire to bolster the industry’s next generation that has earned Leonard the distinction of The NEWS’ Best Instructor.

Over the last decade, the landscape of HVAC motors has changed exponentially. In many cases, ECM motors are leaving technicians scrambling for help. When problems arise, many HVACR professionals are turning to one man for help: Chris Mohalley, recipient of The NEWS’ inaugural Best Trainer award.

Don Crawshaw, HVAC department chair, Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the runner-up in The NEWS’ 2012 Best Instructor contest.

Harold Nelson’s four decades of experience and knowledge make him one of the most well-respected trainers nationwide, and the runner-up in The NEWS’ inaugural Best Trainer contest.

Salespeople from around the country traveled to Dallas for the Unified Group’s Advanced Sales Forum. The attendees listened to informative presentations as well as participated in group training.

In the midst of a global, regional, and local economic crisis, few would suggest that education is the highest priority capital investment a business should make, and even fewer would make a $20 million investment in that pursuit. However, that is just what Taco Inc. has done. 

Who says young people do not want to be a part of the HVACR industry? Amidst the 5,600 vocationally-inclined individuals competing in 94 contests at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, there were 58 in the HVACR event. That was the largest number ever to take part in the HVACR competition.

In an effort to raise awareness of the industry, attract new members to the workforce, and enhance the quality of the available workforce in the industry, the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation has been formed by eight HVACR and water heating industry associations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 86,600 HVAC technician jobs will become available through 2018. The industry is projected to grow at a rate of 34 percent over the next 10 years. But, the question remains, what are employers looking for and do the applicants have it?