What Employers Can Do to Support Long-Term Careers in HVAC
Addressing Low Employee Retention in the HVAC Industry
Despite an increased interest in trade careers, HVAC employers continue to struggle with a skilled labor shortage. This shortage can be blamed on high turnover rates caused by an aging workforce and employee dissatisfaction. Not only is technician turnover extremely costly, it puts businesses at risk of losing their top technicians to competitors. With employee retention rates so low, it’s vital that HVAC employers understand how to retain high-potential employees.
The Truth Behind the HVAC Turnover Problem
Knowing how to retain high-potential employees means understanding what’s causing low retention and offering the right solution.
Many employers will address turnover by asking questions like, “What is the average pay for a HVAC technician?” and increasing their offers. They research tools for managing HVAC technician time off and availability, and think that they’re solving the problem. Unfortunately, this only acts as a short-term solution to the deeper issue. Retaining top talent doesn’t just mean rewarding with higher pay or giving more time off. The best way to keep your top employees is to map out a long-term growth plan in the company through training opportunities.
With research showing that 94% of employees stay longer with a company that invests in continuous learning and development, HVAC employers can retain their top talent by providing training programs for their technicians. Not only does uptraining your technicians with skills like heat pump installation give your company a competitive edge, but it also gives you the opportunity to increase wages as a reward for specialized training.
Attract High-Potential Talent from the Recruitment Stage
Employee retention in the HVAC industry doesn’t start after the hire – it starts with smart recruitment.
To attract high-potential or expert technicians to your team, you need to offer more than just a job. The new generation of technicians wants to see that your business offers a clear career path with promotions, raises, and benefits. This will have potential recruits thinking of a long-term career with your company before they’re even hired. Knowing how to recruit HVAC technicians isn’t just about offering a job; it’s opening the doors to a future with the company.
Opening Opportunities to Grow in Your Company
Employee retention in the HVAC industry should be supported by intentionally mapping out the growth opportunities for employees who stay with the company. Uptraining can be extremely motivating for technicians of all levels. Not only does this incentivize technicians to stay, but it also deepens the skillset and capabilities of your team. With so many different training resources to choose from, knowing how to pick a good HVAC training program puts you at an advantage.
Retain Your Top Talent with a PHPP Training Program
If you’re looking for a reliable training program in Pennsylvania, Penn Heat Pump Pathways (PHPP) is the ultimate resource. Employers receive no-cost training for their technicians, alongside wage reimbursements to cover their training hours. You also gain access to a database of skilled workers who are ready for recruitment.
Give your technicians growth opportunities with our PHPP training resources and approved training opportunities.