Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2026

News Magazine September 2026

FEATURE STORY

What You Learn

A Critical Note

Avoid comments that undermine program credibility or student retention. Don't ask why students chose a particular school or suggest they drop out. These comments damage instructor relationships, hurt program funding, and burn bridges you need. Show respect.

• Program structure, duration, and contact hours • Specific courses offered and their learning outcomes • Current enrollment numbers and recent graduate placement rates • Lab facilities, equipment, and resources • Alignment between curriculum and current industry codes and standards • Early visibility to emerging talent • Instructor relationships that often translate to direct referrals • Credibility and goodwill that builds a reliable hiring pipeline • Direct influence on program relevance to your business needs When you attend, come prepared. Review the program details. Ask informed questions about outcomes. Tour the lab— does the equipment reflect current job site realities? Check the textbooks—do they align with current codes and standards? Most importantly, represent the industry professionally. Offer constructive feedback. Be a resource, not a recruiter. Instructors notice and remember contractors who genuinely support their programs. These relationships create natural hiring connections. What You Gain How to Make an Impact

Engagement Strategy 2: Tell Your Story at Schools and Career Fairs

Most students and parents still believe a four-year degree is the only path to success. The data tells a different story. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: • Only 20% of jobs require a bachelor's degree or higher • 67% of jobs require post-secondary technical training • That means 80% of jobs don't require a four-year degree By appearing at classroom visits and career fairs, you help shift this narrative. Talk about your own path into HVACR. Discuss earning potential, job satisfaction, independence, and the problem-solving nature of the work. Help students understand that HVACR isn't a fallback option—it's a first-choice career with real opportunity. Be authentic. Share the challenges and rewards. Show that skilled trades offer dignity, stability, and purpose.