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HVAC ContractingNewsBusiness Management

Bringing Gen Z Into the HVAC Fold

An HVAC Minute Video Update: May 27, 2024

By Hannah Belloli-Oster
May 27, 2024

Right now, the HVAC industry is short about 80,000 workers. Other estimates put the shortage at around 100,000. Mix in the fact that the current HVAC workforce is graying, and things don’t look hopeful. The only solution seems to be to get the next generation (Gen Z) to join the HVAC field. Needless to say, HVAC needs Gen Z. But fortunately, Gen Z needs HVAC — or at least, the types of career opportunities the field can provide. More and more surveys are showing that what Gen Z wants out of a career is to know that they are doing something meaningful, and adding value in some way. They also don’t want any debt, have aspirations to start their own business, and want job security. Sounds like HVAC might be the perfect fit for them. Yet, the issue is that a lot of Gen Z doesn’t even know what the HVAC field has to offer. So, it’s up to the HVAC industry to get the word out. And it seems like they already are. Recent numbers are showing about a 10% decrease in college enrollment, while apprenticeships have seen a 15% jump.

Read the full article to learn more.

Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS →

KEYWORDS: Gen Z HVAC Minute labor shortage Recruiting for HVAC Workforce

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Hannah belloli
Hannah Belloli is editor-in-chief of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. She brings six years of experience as a trade journalist with BNP Media, including four years as an editor at The ACHR NEWS and two years with Walls & Ceilings. Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wayne State University, where she also earned minors in English, journalism, and creative writing. As the daughter of a carpenter, she has long held an appreciation for the skilled trades and the professionals who drive the industry forward.

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