If you’re an HVAC contractor, you’ve likely felt the pinch of the ongoing labour shortage. The industry is growing, but there aren’t enough skilled workers to meet demand. Building and maintaining a reliable team is becoming increasingly difficult, with experienced technicians retiring and fewer young workers entering the trade. This isn’t just a temporary issue, it’s a challenge that requires a proactive approach.

The Job Bank of Canada highlights a rising need for trained professionals due to advancements in climate control technologies and stricter building regulations. The demand is there; now, contractors must focus on attracting, training, and retaining the next generation of HVAC professionals.

How to attract new technicians

Finding and attracting talent takes more than posting a job listing; it requires engaging with potential hires in meaningful ways and making an HVAC career an appealing option.

One of the best ways to connect with young workers is to build relationships with trade schools and colleges. Institutions like BCIT, NAIT, and Humber College offer HVAC programs; partnering with them can help contractors engage with skilled students before they enter the workforce. Many of these schools also host career fairs, which provide excellent opportunities to meet potential recruits and discuss apprenticeship programs.

Beyond trade schools, highlighting the benefits of an HVAC career can go a long way. It’s also worth positioning HVAC as a profession requiring intelligence and versatility. Technicians draw on knowledge across multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, chemistry, and physics, to diagnose problems and install complex systems. This unique blend of skills is part of what makes HVAC such a highly respected trade. Emphasizing the expert-level thinking required can help attract individuals looking for a hands-on and intellectually rewarding career. According to an industry insider, most contractors are compensated hourly, with an average hourly wage of $40 for an HVAC (non-Red Seal) tech in BC.

Using digital job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and HVAC Agent helps expand outreach while showcasing success stories on social media. It can capture the interest of younger candidates who may not have previously considered an HVAC career.

Why training and upskilling are important 

Recruiting new talent is only half the battle; proper training ensures they develop the skills needed to succeed. Apprenticeship programs remain one of the most effective ways to onboard new hires, allowing them to learn hands-on under seasoned professionals. Many government-supported apprenticeship programs help businesses offset training costs while giving apprentices valuable real-world experience.

Industry certifications also play a key role in upskilling new and experienced technicians. Credentials from NATE, Red Seal Canada, and HVAC Learning Solutions enhance credibility and open doors to career advancement opportunities. With the industry shifting toward energy-efficient solutions like heat pumps and smart HVAC systems, investing in continuing education keeps teams ahead of the curve.

How to keep skilled technicians on your team

Once you’ve invested time and resources into training new technicians, the last thing you want is high turnover. Creating a workplace that technicians want to stay in is as important as recruitment.

Competitive pay and benefits are obvious retention strategies, but career growth opportunities matter just as much. Offering specialization tracks in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, or automation helps employees see a future within your company.

Work-life balance also plays a big role: flexible schedules and paid time off help prevent burnout, a common issue in skilled trades. Additionally, equipping technicians with modern diagnostic tools, scheduling software, and high-quality equipment makes their jobs easier and more efficient, leading to higher job satisfaction.

Resources for HVAC hiring and training

For contractors looking to grow their workforce, these organizations provide valuable hiring and training resources:

HVAC Schools & Training Programs: BCIT, NAIT, Humber College

Job Boards & Hiring Platforms: Indeed, HVAC Agent, LinkedIn

Jobs Certifications & Continuing Education: NAIT, Red Seal Canada