To add some context, I had decided I didn’t want to sit at a desk after my University education. During this time in my life, I had been working in a bar for 13 years, and the thought of pursuing a career in the skilled trades had never crossed my mind.
As with any property purchase, there were odds and sods left from the previous owner, and in a cabinet, I found an old flare kit and some copper tubing collecting dust. With some guidance from the man I purchased the cabin from, I ran a new copper line, installed a shut-off valve, flared a few connections, and finally was ready to light the pilot.
The next morning the fridge was cold and my mind was blown. First of all, I couldn’t believe I did that with my own hands. How did the box in the fridge get cold from a flame and no moving parts? It was at precisely this moment I knew I wanted to pursue a career in this industry. If you’re wondering about the benefits of choosing a trades career like I did, check out Why Pursue a Career in Skilled Trades for more insights on this rewarding path.
The Evolution of HVAC Technology
Looking back over the past 23 years, it is incredible to see how our industry has evolved using the latest and greatest technology. One of the most significant shifts in the HVAC sector is the widespread adoption of “smart” tools, wireless temperature and pressure sensors that are Bluetooth compatible as seen with the NAVAC Smart Refrigerant Diagnostics Kit (SK2TP1).
Tools are no longer “one size fits all.” Innovation has brought us lightweight and compact recovery units and vacuum pumps, some of these tools have cordless options so there is no need to run 200′ of extension cord across a roof. Hilti has introduced the exoskeleton and a Nuron-Powered tool balancer to help reduce the wear and tear on our bodies. These advancements are part of a larger technological revolution in the trades – with AI and Automation accelerating changes at a breakneck speed. These are just a few examples of how technology-based tools are making our industry more accessible to a virtually untapped labor pool…WOMEN.
Women in HVAC: An Untapped Resource
Currently, women make up roughly 5% of the construction trades; however, in HVAC, we only represent approximately 0.4%, which means there are opportunities for employers to capitalize on this resource as we face unprecedented labor shortages. Throughout my 20+ years in HVAC, I have been the “first” and “only” female technician at most companies, even as recently as 2021 when I joined the facilities maintenance team at a hospital. This always surprised me because when my boss was asked, “How is the girl working out?” His answer was, “She is the best guy I have in the shop.” As technologies reduce physical labor and demand broader skill sets, the HVAC industry is slowly but steadily working to create a more inclusive workspace.
Trade associations and companies alike are recognizing that diversity is a competitive advantage and will boost your bottom line. Having women on the team can help improve customer relations, spark innovative problem-solving, and strengthen organizational culture. In my own experience, it has saved my company time and my customers money when service calls are placed for equipment that serve “female only” areas; work can be completed during regular business hours without disruption. This evolution in the industry reflects what many have observed – it’s a man’s world no more as women continue to make their mark in HVAC and other skilled trades.
The Business Case for Female Technicians
In the residential sector, it is no secret that women make most of the decisions in the household. According to the BDC, women are responsible for 75% to 80% of consumer spending through purchasing power or influence, so when a female technician shows up to install or service an HVAC system, there is a clear advantage. Initially, there is always a look of surprise followed by “It’s great to see a female mechanic!” and the customer feels at ease allowing a woman to enter her home and complete the work. I know from personal experience that many customers will request the female technician to exclusively work on their contracts.
Many companies have even started highlighting female technicians in their marketing campaigns and on social media to increase awareness and encourage more women to apply. A few to note are the Women of Wolsey (WoW), Women on Site (WOS), and of course Women in HVACr Canada.
Integration Strategies for Employers
As an employer reading this, you may be asking yourself how can I integrate women into my male-populated team without disrupting the ecosystem. The first step is to start with a conversation with your existing team to allow them to voice any concerns and ask questions; this will allow the employer to address any pain points prior to onboarding a female apprentice/technician.
In addition, employers should consider other factors like PPE, tools, and a uniform. For example, if you have contracts that require working from heights, women wear a different harness than our male counterparts. For electrical troubleshooting purposes, lineman’s gloves can be ordered in smaller sizes for a proper fit.
Female workwear brands such as Dirty Seahorse, Carhartt, Covergalls, Dovetail, and Eve Workwear provide a variety of options such as FR, high visibility, and coveralls to comply with your company’s needs. Additionally, Fair-Trades Toolbox can assist your company with this transition through mentoring, workforce development, onboarding solutions, and training sessions to support your company’s growth and evolution.
Conclusion: Evolve Your Workforce for the Future
We all know that the key to any successful project or job is the prep work, and this phase takes time and planning; elevating your company culture is no different. With the proper tools in place, you can welcome the next generation of HVAC technicians onto your team and set them up for success.
The tools and equipment we use today have evolved in response to innovation and market demand, but many companies are still using analog hiring practices in a digital world. I wouldn’t use that dusty old manual flare kit anymore when there is a battery-operated version that virtually guarantees no leaks, so why not evolve your workforce to align with the world we compete in today? It’s time to work smarter, not harder.
For more information on why pursuing a career in the skilled trades can be so rewarding, especially for underrepresented groups, explore our article on Why Pursue a Career in Skilled Trades which highlights the opportunities available in today’s evolving HVAC industry.