A joint Canada-U.S. study of labour demand in the HVAC and refrigeration sectors concludes Canadian industry and colleges have had greater success drawing new technicians to the field than have their American counterparts. Nevertheless, the recently released findings suggest both nations face a skills shortage as the aging HVACR workforce nears retirement.

“HVACR programs in the United States and Canada are seeking new students, from recent high school graduates to veteran or second-career adults,” reiterates Kari Arfstrom, executive director of the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation (WDF).

Already, U.S. employment analysis shows that job postings for HVACR specialists remain open 12 per cent longer than other positions requiring comparable skill levels. Refrigeration technician tops the list of in-demand “middle-skill occupations” (along with broadcast technician) in taking an average of 44 days to fill, while HVAC installer/mechanic ranks 10th (along with network/systems support specialist) at 36 days. In comparison, across all middle-skill occupations it takes an average of 29 days to fill an open position.

Nearly half of the existing HVACR workforce will be eligible for retirement over the next decade, but technical and community colleges turned out only about 21,200 newly qualified prospects in the 2014-2015 school year — a rate that will not keep pace with required replacements and anticipated job growth.

HVACR instructors in Canada and the U.S. recommend concerted recruitment efforts, which also target women, minority groups and older adults considering a second career. Toward that end, the WDF commends the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and associated Canadian players for proactively tackling the skills shortage issue at a much earlier stage, beginning with a 2007 study.

“The key strategy in Canada has been to attract more young people into the industry, and it’s working,” the WDF’s executive summary states.

Part of that lies in simply promoting what the industry has to offer. “With HVACR certifications, new employees can be assured of a solid middle class job that cannot be off-shored, is high-tech and offers better-than-average pay,” Arfstrom says.