Over the last few decades, technological advancements have changed the landscape of nearly every industry. This includes the HVAC/R industry, which has seen rapid employment growth in recent years. This trend is expected to continue due to an influx of new construction projects and homeowners seeking to upgrade their HVAC/R systems.
New HVAC/R technology is more complex than ever, meaning that even the simplest HVAC/R systems available today demand a combination of expertise and skills beyond that of most do-it-yourselfers. New systems often now require knowledge and experience in operating smart thermostats that work with Wi-Fi and apps on smartphones. Or, perhaps, a system needs to be converted to a green energy source, such as solar or geothermal solutions. An entire overhaul may be needed to switch from R22 refrigerant to the more environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant. All of these situations require calling a skilled HVAC/R technician, particularly one that is tech-savvy.
However, like most other industries, the HVAC/R industry is experiencing a shortage of highly-skilled technicians. Many current technicians in the field are around retirement age and are leaving the profession at a high rate each year. In contrast, the number of those entering the field each year is dwindling. This is largely due to a change in societal perception of HVAC/R professions. Between the Boomer and Millennial generations, there has been a shift to guide youth toward college degrees and away from trade professions. As a result, many trade courses have been eliminated over the past few years as schools transition to a college preparatory curriculum. It is also worth noting that even current HVAC/R technicians may not be up-to-date with the upgraded HVAC/R technology. So, although they’re still in the field, their skills are largely built around machines that are being phased out.
Demand for highly-skilled HVAC/R technicians will continue to rise as the shortage becomes more severe. So, how can this shortage be combatted? Amatrol’s HVAC/R program was designed to provide the tools that educators need to train both current and aspiring technicians to be well-prepared for the field.
Amatrol’s Combined Refrigeration Installation Learning System (T7200) offers a comprehensive hands-on workstation and interactive multimedia curriculum to teach the installation of electrical and mechanical refrigeration/air conditioning components in residential or light commercial applications. This system is an ideal training tool for future HVACR technicians.
Amatrol’s 950-GEO1 Geothermal Energy Training System enables learners to understand and apply their newly obtained technician skills in the ever-growing area of geothermal energy.
Teach aspiring HVAC/R technicians the critical technical skills needed to succeed on the job with Amatrol’s Refrigerant Recovery and Charging Learning System for R-410a (T7032). Students will work with real equipment, including a recovery machine, manifold gauges, submersible cooler, temperature probe, filter dryer, liquid vaporizer, low side liquid charger, vacuum pump, and micron vacuum gauge.
