How We’re Addressing the Surging Industry-Wide Need for HVAC Technicians
The need for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing workers in the U.S. is soaring, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, HVAC-R mechanic and installer jobs will grow 8%—adding 40,100 openings per year—through 2034.
At the same time, an aging workforce and insufficient recruitment efforts have led to a 50% decrease in the number of certified HVAC technicians over the last decade.
The industry is working to fill this gap, investing in training programs and scholarships that will help address labor shortages and provide much-needed workforce development. Unfortunately, though, it’s a difficult problem to solve, as younger generations aren’t drawn to skilled trades careers.
One poll found that only 38% of Gen Z believe that skilled trades offer the best job opportunities today. Further, 79% of Gen Zers report feeling pressured by their parents to pursue a college degree, while 74% acknowledge a stigma associated with vocational school. This is despite the fact that there are a lot of benefits to these careers. An HVAC technician today has significant opportunities for independence, high pay, job stability, travel, helping the planet, and more.
At Budderfly, we know there is a nationwide shortage of HVAC technicians, and we are doing our part to help close the skilled trades gap, as well as ensure clean energy is prioritized.
In 2024, we announced our Trade Schools Partnership Program focused on training energy technicians. We’re investing in state-of-the-art energy technologies, including heat pumps, ultra-high-performance HVAC units, and advanced HVAC control systems to enable schools to deliver hands-on training, unlocking an accelerated path to growth and helping build a skilled workforce for the clean energy economy.
"Concerted efforts must be put toward workforce development if we are to sustain a clean energy economy. Our company is growing at a rapid pace, and we are constantly running into challenges to keep up with volume and demand due to a lack of skilled equipment installers,” said Budderfly founder and CEO Al Subbloie at the time.
“Partnering with trade schools to educate and train the next generation of workers on the latest technology will overcome this barrier, not just for us, but for the industry as a whole. We look forward to preparing the next generation of workers for long, thriving careers.”
Our investment in the future of the workforce continues after education, as well. We have a robust Budderfly Apprenticeship Program that helps technicians coming out of trade school jumpstart their careers by getting hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and long-term career opportunities.
The success of these programs is palpable, as we have an industry-leading team of energy professionals that make up our in-house Service Team. This team is responsible for installing, servicing, and maintaining our innovative energy solutions across the U.S., and their enthusiasm for the work proves that skilled trades careers can be stimulating and rewarding when workers are supported with access to the best tools, technologies, and pay—and when they’re part of a greater movement.
As one of our Lead HVAC/R Technicians put it: “What excites me most is that my work here makes a real impact, not only for our clients in a way that we can help them with their energy efficiency and by modernizing their HVAC equipment, but also taking part in something bigger than that, which is reducing the carbon emissions for our future generations.”
Learn more about our Service Team here: