As experienced workers age and retire, finding quality technicians is becoming extremely difficult. Industry leaders are struggling to promote careers in HVAC and draw new people into trade school programs; however, footing the bill for more than $1,000 worth of tools on top of education costs may very well be a deterrent. While some contractors are willing to equip technicians with the necessary tools, others require workers to purchase their own, which can be yet another burden for someone just starting out in the field.
According to Jim Hughes, manager of technical training, Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning, Richardson, Texas, it really depends on the contractor’s policies and the tool as to whether the equipment is supplied to technicians or not. Most often, technicians are required to supply their own hand tools, at the very least, Hughes noted.