As part of the Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency project conducted by HRAI in Ontario last year, a Skills Gap Assessment was conducted. The goal of that research was to assess where existing technicians are in their understanding of, and proficiency in working with, residential heat pumps. Because Ontario’s residential HVAC workforce is largely comprised of Gas Technicians and Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanics (a trade not recognized in the Atlantic Region), technicians with these certifications (and having at least five years of field experience), were the main focus for the research.
The make-up of the residential HVAC workforce in Atlantic Canada is much more diverse, making Ontario’s research findings of questionable relevance to the needs in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
To fully understand the existing knowledge and skill levels of residential HVAC technicians working in the region, especially as they relate to modern heat pump technologies, there is a need to engage directly with those doing the work, regardless of their existing licenses.
The assessment process is based upon the Heat Pump Curriculum framework previously developed and tested in Ontario. The comprehensive technical skills assessment tool evaluates confidence levels and existing knowledge across key competencies that are important to the installation and servicing of heat pumps. The assessment includes approximately 200 questions and takes roughly two hours to complete.
Participants must register to participate in this research but to eliminate any concerns about confidentiality, registration information is kept entirely separate from the evaluation data that will come out of the process, which means the research findings will be completely anonymous. Those who are eligible to participate and who complete the assessment in its entirety will be compensated for their time.
The inputs gathered from participating technicians will help us understand the state of the existing workforce – their readiness from a skills and competencies perspective and any potential skills deficits that will impede their success with emerging and increasingly prevalent technologies.
A report on the findings will be produced and available for the industry, government and others.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Meyer, Project Manager, or Abhi Kantamneni, Director, Government Relations.
