Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2026

News Magazine September 2026

FEATURE STORY

Engagement Strategy 3: Leverage Your Personal Network

The Bigger Picture

The skilled trades shortage isn't a school problem—it's an industry-wide challenge that demands industry-wide solutions. Contractors who engage in recruitment gain competitive advantage in hiring. Programs that receive industry support produce better outcomes. Students who see real career pathways make informed choices. This is a collaborative problem with collaborative solutions. Visit schools. Join Program Advisory Committees. Share your story. Support local instructors. Engage your network. The next generation of HVACR technicians is out there. They're already in training programs, in high schools considering their options, or in jobs considering a change. Your involvement makes the difference between a sustainable industry and a crisis. The shortage is real. So is the solution. Start today. The Call to Action

Recruitment extends beyond schools. Talk about HVACR with neighbors, relatives, friends, and former colleagues. Many people are stuck in jobs that don't fulfill them. HVACR might be their path forward, but they'll never consider it unless someone they know speaks up. These personal conversations often reach people traditional recruitment misses— people who've completed education but haven't found their fit, who want a career change, or who have natural aptitude but never considered the trades. • PAC participation: Attend quarterly or biannual meetings (2-3 hours per meeting) • School visits: Plan one or two visits per year, coordinating with instructors • Career fair support: Participate in local events where your investment reaches multiple students at once • Informal advocacy: Conversations with your network—no special time commitment Most contractors find that this level of involvement generates referrals and hiring connections that more than justify the time invested. Making This Real: What Participation Actually Requires This isn't asking you to donate extensive time. Realistic commitments:

This article was furnished by the ESCO Group. ESCO provides great training publications, accredits

HVACR training programs, sponsors HVAC Excellence for instructors each year, and is a leader in regulatory issues that affect our industry. We appreciate their partnership informing Arkansas contractors and training programs. You can learn more about Esco at escogroup.org