The brand-new EMCOR Training Center in Phoenix will be used to train union students on the commercial components and systems they will most likely encounter in the field.
As technology and the industry as a whole continue to evolve at a rapid rate, the education surrounding it must as well. Educators must also work to ensure they are meeting industry demands, have enough training to go around, and that they are aiding in securing recruits.
It doesn’t really matter how important homeowners think these certifications are, because the HVACR industry knows their actual importance. They build confidence, ensure technicians stay up-to-date, and build trust.
Starting in 2025, most new comfort cooling systems will use lower-GWP, mildly flammable refrigerants, which include a safety feature called the refrigerant detection system (RDS), which detects leaks and can be factory or field installed.
Technicians must be trained to handle A2L refrigerants safely, using proper equipment, following safety guidelines, and understanding risks to prevent injuries.
To successfully open their own training facility, contractors have to thoughtfully decide on a curriculum, find or design a space that can house students and faculty plus all the needed equipment to train, secure the necessary finances, hire a credible lead instructor, and market it.
Laars Heating Systems and Bradford White use a few different modalities when training, such as virtual live presentations, on-demand video content, and self-guided learning. But their focus, overall, is in hands-on learning.