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We’re Facing a People Deficit
In any business, they say the hardest challenge is finding good help. The trades are one area where this is most prevalent. It’s relatively well-known that there’s a lack of skilled tradespeople right now. Although there are probably slightly more people now than five years ago, we’re definitely still in a significant deficit. There just hasn’t been an influx of young people for quite some time. The trades are dying skills, there’s plenty of work out there, and there’s a shortage of people able to do that work competently. Our organization is working hard to introduce people to our trade and communicate some of the associated benefits. A college/white collar job isn’t for everybody—those kinds of jobs are needed, but sometimes a person is better suited for a different path.
R-22 Is on Its Way Out
There’s a refrigerant that used to be prevalent in the HVAC industry called R-22, which is currently being phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone and our environment. Although R-22 is quickly becoming obsolete, there are many systems still running on this refrigerant (like old car air conditioners). Because R-22 is becoming expensive and difficult to find, it’s going to be challenging to repair/replace older systems as they fail.
Tankless Is on the Way Up
The switch from tank water heaters to tankless water heaters has become a pretty heavy trend over the last several years. We’ve been putting in tankless systems since around 2008, but they’ve steadily been becoming more and more mainstream. They have a track record of dependability after being on the market for all this time, and I think they’re going to continue to be on the upswing when it comes to what kind of water heater people choose for their home.
Training & Opportunities Are Available
Right now we’re experiencing a changing job market and a deficit in our trade. People seeking a new opportunity might not even be aware that Wisler Plumbing & Air has several different programs available. By and large, we’re looking for people who don’t have experience—not because we mind hiring an experienced person, but simply because they are so few and far between. We had to create a system around providing training and schooling for people coming into the trade. The good news is that somebody can work full-time, learn the trade, and earn a living at the same time (which might be a better option for someone considering the financial implications of college.)
For anyone interested in working at Wisler Plumbing & Air, the process is simple: visit WislerJobs.com and apply online. Maryanne will receive your application and work with you to figure out the next steps. (She’s usually able to get things going fairly quickly.) For service-related questions, reach out to us online or give us a call at 540-483-9382.