The HVAC industry has known for some time about the threats of the growing labor shortage and the increasing pressure to find qualified labor as the current workforce retires and demand rises. According to the 2018 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey, conducted by Sage and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), many firms are optimistic about the growing demand for all types of services. However, they are increasingly concerned with the continued workforce shortages. At the same time, 75 percent of surveyed firms confirmed they are planning to hire more workers in 2018. Job openings are growing while the industry encounters a dwindling pool of qualified job-seekers.
In the HVAC industry specifically, mechanic and installer jobs nationwide are expected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In perspective, this industry growth is much faster than the average for all occupations and is driven by commercial and residential building construction. Not only is the demand increasing, but the current workforce is preparing to retire within the next 10 years, leaving positions open.