ARLINGTON, Va. — The HVACR Workforce Development Foundation released three reports and an accompanying executive summary confirming that demand outstrips the supply of HVACR employees. In particular, there is a critical need for mechanics and installers nationwide due to increased growth in the sector and the ongoing retirement of baby boomers. HVACR programs in technical and community colleges are not filling the seats available to meet the current and anticipated demand. HVACR employers are having a difficult time filling positions, especially for refrigeration and HVAC technicians, which take 44 and 36 days longer, respectively, than the national average of 29 days for similar positions.

“HVACR programs in the U.S. and Canada are seeking new students, whether you are a recent high school graduate, veteran, or second-career adult,” said Kari Arfstrom, executive director of the HVACR Foundation. “With HVACR certifications or an associate’s degree, new employees can be assured of a solid middle-class job that cannot be off-shored, is high-tech, and offers better-than-average pay.”

The reports detail the opportunities available for HVACR workers and address the unique issues constraining the pipeline for these roles. Concluding the analysis of supply and demand is the introduction of a North American plan to reduce the employment gap.

An executive summary of the three reports, “The HVACR Workforce: Demand Heats up as Supply Melts Away,” is available on the HVACR Foundation’s website at www.careersinhvacr.org.

Publication date: 11/2/2015 

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