The Evolution of Training

Making buildings more energy efficient is a high priority for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry, and more stringent regulations and new technology have propelled this effort in recent years. Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City and other areas are developing their own policies that require commercial buildings to benchmark and disclose energy ratings, as well as perform audits and retro-commissioning. This movement toward more efficient buildings is only one factor affecting the training opportunities available to HVAC professionals. Continuing education is evolving based on trends, workforce demographics, credential requirements and the emergence of online training. “The number of buildings designed by LEED-certified professionals is significantly increasing,” one regulatory affairs executive said, referring to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green-building designation. “LEED has almost become standard for new construction, and people want to learn more about alternative energy systems, like heat pumps, solar energy and ground-based heat, that can help save money and conserve energy.” This is an example of trends that are helping to shape industry training opportunities, and many curriculums are focusing on educating professionals on the latest green technology. For example, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers an Energy Savings Practices curriculum that provides information on reducing energy consumption and improving the overall energy efficiency of buildings. As the emphasis on energy-efficient buildings continues to grow, the industry can expect to see the emergence of comparable training opportunities.

Changing Demographics

The industry is experiencing a significant turnover in its workforce. Baby boomers are entering retirement, and a new generation is replacing them. While young engineers bring fresh ideas and have an affinity for technology, many lack the experience of seasoned professionals, creating a knowledge gap in the industry. With fewer veteran engineers to learn from, entry-level workers are turning to continuing education as a way to sharpen their skills. The average age of training attendees has decreased in recent years, and training opportunities must adapt to meet the needs of this younger audience. One of these needs is for practical, hands-on experience. According to ASHRAE, few engineers entering the HVAC industry have a complete understanding of HVAC fundamentals. Many engineering students graduate college with an in-depth knowledge of engineering theories but have not had an opportunity to use this information in a real-world setting. By taking part in hands-on training, students are able to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge they gained in school and the practical work required for their careers.

Online Training

As a younger demographic pursues continuing education, training formats have begun to change. Many young professionals enjoy learning from videos, webinars and interactive online resources. While there is no replacement for the traditional, in-person training sessions that provide valuable hands-on interaction, virtual training is another strong option for HVAC professionals. Online training opens participation to larger audiences and enables people to learn on demand and at their own pace. It also saves time and money by enabling professionals to complete the training at home or at work. While web-based training is an easy, cost-effective way to transfer knowledge, it also presents some challenges. Many webinars and online courses are much shorter than in-person classes and do not offer hands-on experiences or peer discussion opportunities. For this reason, in-depth, complex topics are often best learned in person or through live, instructor-led online courses. Online learning is a valuable tool for introductory and basic training, and it is often a good complement to live training. The industry will see an increased mix of online and in-person training as this trend continues to grow.

Credential Requirements

In the U.S. today, more than 75 percent of states require HVAC engineers to be licensed before practicing in the profession. To maintain certification, engineers must earn Continuing Education Units. Similarly, LEED Green Associate and LEED AP certified professionals must also earn credits through the Green Building Certification Institute. As more states adopt laws that require certification, these credential requirements will be a significant driver of available training opportunities. Training today looks different than it did 50 years ago. Today, there are many opportunities for both in-person and online training. Several organizations offer continuing education, including industry groups such as ASHRAE and the Hydraulic Institute. Although training methods and topics covered have evolved, training and continuing education will remain an important part of the HVAC industry.