How Representation Is a Solution to the Skilled Trades Labor Shortage

The HVACR industry, like most trade industries, continues to face labor shortages as many in the U.S. workforce retire. One strategy to address this growing shortage is to recruit more women into the trade. 

Although women currently make up 47% of the workforce, only 3% of those employed in the HVACR industry are female, according to a 2024  Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This significant gender gap presents a challenge for companies in the industry, which must determine how to attract more women into the field. Organizations like Women in HVACR are pivotal in addressing this issue.

Attracting women into the HVAC industry is no simple task, given the low percentage of female workers currently in the field. The quickest and most effective way to attract quality female applicants is through representation.

When women see other women in positions of leadership or prospering in a new field, it can inspire them to follow a similar path. Groups like Women in HVACR provide examples of success, signaling that the industry is welcoming and inclusive to women.

Opening the door to female workers brings numerous benefits to the HVACR industry. Beyond expanding the candidate pool, women bring a range of skills and perspectives that may have been missing.

Diverse teams have proven to be more productive and lead to a more effective workforce. By embracing women in the industry, companies can not only increase job applicants but also build a talent pipeline.

With Baby Boomers set to retire in larger numbers over the next 10 years, women will be key contributors and backfills for those positions. Bringing women into the industry now is crucial to building the experience needed to continue driving the industry forward.

By focusing on representation, employers can encourage women to pursue careers in a traditionally male-dominated field. It’s often difficult to break down stereotypes or traditional gender role barriers, especially when considering an HVAC technician as someone crawling under houses or working in sweaty attic spaces.

However, there is more to the HVAC world than physical labor, and it takes a diverse range of professionals to keep things running smoothly. In addition to working as installers or maintenance technicians, women can serve as customer service representatives, dispatchers, and operations managers. By working in these roles, women show other women that a career in HVACR is achievable. This is why organizations like Women in HVACR are so crucial to the industry.

As a non-profit organization, Women in HVACR provides women in the industry with opportunities to network with other HVACR professionals at monthly and annual events, participate in mentorship programs through the Navigator program, and help recruit other women through the Ambassador program. Engaging with women at all stages of their HVACR careers provides the right kind of representation to drive women into the field, cultivate their career growth, and increase employee retention.

By prioritizing representation and showcasing the successes of women in the HVACR industry, companies can tap into a largely underutilized talent pool and build a more diverse and effective workforce.

Organizations like Women in HVACR are playing a crucial role in addressing the industry’s labor shortage by providing women with opportunities to network, mentor, and grow in their careers. As the industry looks to the future, it’s clear that representation is a key strategy for attracting and retaining top female talent and ensuring a strong and sustainable workforce for years to come.