June 22 Is National HVAC Tech Day

Industry stakeholders are recognizing the work of technicians in the HVAC industry, their impact on buildings and homes, and training to fill a talent gap.

This Thursday, June 22 is the second annual National HVAC Tech Day, a day set aside to highlight the work of technicians in the HVAC industry — and their impact on buildings and homes. HVAC training is also highlighted as the Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified that a 14% industry growth in employment rates of technicians is expected by 2024.

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Image: NationalHVACTechDay.com

Created in 2016, this day of recognition was created by ARS/Rescue Rooter, a Memphis, TN-based national provider of air conditioning, heating and plumbing services. As highlighted on the initiative’s website: “A few hours without AC or heat may be uncomfortable for us, but imagine working in those conditions every day of the week! HVAC technicians tirelessly brave the sweltering heat and numbing cold to restore our comfort, often at the hottest and coldest times of the year.”

National HVAC Tech Day was approved in 2016 by the Registrar at National Calendar Day, and this year commercial HVAC technicians are highlighted again, along with ther residential counterparts. The National HVAC Tech Day website notes that there is an intense need for qualified HVAC techs across the United States. Homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings and factories typically need HVAC attention and work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC pros have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Conditions include extreme heat or numbing cold, working in confined spaces, and working outside of normal business hours. Every service call is a new experience and the job can often be unpredictable. And with the Bureau identifying an expected 14% industry growth in employment rates in less than 10 years, many employers (including facility management departments) are struggling to find qualified technicians with excellent troubleshooting, computer, and electronic skills.

The Refrigeration School (RSI), a HVAC/R training association located in Phoenix, AZ, created this infographic with additional details pertaining to HVAC/R techs. For its part, RSI is currently offering an Opportunity Scholarship of $1,000 to eligible students who enroll in one of its programs with an expected start date in June or July 2017.

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Source: The Refrigeration School