Workforce Development
.jpg "Larry Zarker photo")
Larry Zarker
Chief Executive Officer
Building Performance Institute
Malta, New York
Erin McCollum
Director Utility and Government Programs
EGIA
Sacramento, California
Felicia Rogers
Executive Vice President
Decision Analyst, Inc.
Arlington, Texas
Clint Shireman
Manager of Training
Knauf Insulation
Columbus, Indiana
The shrinking skills gap in the home services industry is not a sudden phenomenon. It is often reported that 25% of the workforce will be of “retirement age” by 2020. At the same time, the industry will see a 15% growth in the number of jobs created in order to meet the expected demand for HVAC services and other home services. The EGIA Foundation sponsored a study of the challenges associated with filling trades positions with qualified young professionals; in particular, those born in or after 1997. The first step was to take a closer look into the home services industry through a comprehensive research study with the goal to understand perceptions, misconceptions, and other issues that are contributing to the current labor shortage. The EGIA Foundation’s findings include ideas on the following issues: How can the industry take ownership of its image from those who view home services as a “lesser” career choice? What are the best avenues for reaching those post-millennials who are not aware of the opportunities yet, are apt to thrive as future technicians and installers? How can equipment manufacturers, educators, and contractors aid in engagement and development of those in forthcoming generations?