Founded by Ruchir Shah, SkillCat has already trained over 300,000 learners through immersive, gamified simulations that teach HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliance repair skills — all at a fraction of the cost of traditional trade schools.

“SkillCat is an online training platform for the skilled trades,” says Shah. “We offer over 1,500 hours of training through virtual simulations that teach HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliance repair, and general maintenance. Everything is gamified, and we make it affordable.”

By merging industry-recognized credentials with mobile-first learning, SkillCat and NATE are hoping to erase one of the biggest barriers keeping people out of high-paying trade careers: accessibility.

The NATE Ready-to-Work exam, designed for entry-level HVAC candidates, is now available on-demand via SkillCat’s platform — no classroom, no laptop, no travel, no proctor required.

“The Ready-to-Work exam is a perfect first step for anyone just starting out,” Shah said. “It gives candidates a real credential they can show employers, proving they have foundational HVAC knowledge before even stepping onto a jobsite ... We’re removing barriers — you can prepare and take it right on your phone.”

The HVAC workforce crisis is no secret — but Shah believes this is the solution.

“People just don’t realize how incredible these jobs are,” Shah said. “You can have zero debt, make great money, and work in a field that’s not going to be automated away. Job satisfaction in the trades is around 90 percent, compared to 40 or 50 percent in most office jobs.”

That sense of purpose and stability is what SkillCat aims to unlock — by giving learners the tools to take their first real step into the field.

“Once learners complete their training and certifications, we encourage them to go knock on doors, meet contractors, and get real-world experience,” said Shah. “SkillCat provides the foundation, and employers provide the mentorship and hands-on learning

SkillCat’s mission is simple: no one should be locked out of a career just because they can’t afford trade school.

“Not everyone can afford to leave the workforce for two or three years to go to a trade school,” Shah said. “SkillCat gives people a way to train, certify, and get hired without that barrier.”

As SkillCat continues expanding into commercial refrigeration, building maintenance, and advanced certifications, the company is betting on technology and accessibility to reshape the future of the trades.

“The reason HVACR companies don’t grow faster isn’t because they can’t find customers,” Shah said. “It’s because they can’t find workers. Training, testing, and certification are the solution — and SkillCat and NATE are working together to make them more accessible than ever.”