Preparing for the Heat Pump Future: Ray Amirnia’s Journey
This year, HRAI launched a pilot training course to upskill HVACR technicians for the growing heat pump market. Dubbed the Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency, the initiative was rolled out across several Ontario colleges and professionals like Ray Amirnia the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge and technical expertise.
Ray is a TSSA G2 313D Residential Air Conditioning Mechanic who learned about the program through his involvement in Phase I of the HRAI's initiative Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency project. He joined 100 gas technicians in taking a survey to identify gaps in current heat pump knowledge, which was then used to develop the pilot heat pump training course.
“My knowledge of traditional air conditioners was on par with what I saw in the market at the time,” he reflects, “but as heat pumps have grown in popularity, it’s become clear that we need to keep pace with the evolving skill set and technology.”
Following the survey, Ray participated in the pilot training at Herzing College, which was among five other Ontario institutions that joined HRAI in rolling out the source. The other include Fanshawe, Mohawk, Fleming, and St. Lawrence Colleges.
“The course was fantastic,” he said. “What I really appreciated was the hands-on time we had with multiple units. We didn’t just observe; we installed them, troubleshooted, and commissioned the systems as well.”
Importantly, he adds, the course offers participants the ability to work with components that are specific to heat pump technologies, such as the reversing valve.
For some participants, the content was all new. For others, it was a refresher. In either case, says Ray, “We all walked away learning something that will help us deliver greater value to our employers and better service to customers.”
Balancing a full-time role while taking on additional training can be challenging in any sector. Fortunately, the course’s hybrid model comprised online modules with in-person labs to make it manageable for its working participants. Moreover, Ray admits, “When you’re passionate about the subject, it doesn’t feel like a burden. Watching course videos, refreshing your knowledge, or learning something new becomes enjoyable.”
Groundwork for a heat pump future
Ray is among a growing number of HVACR professionals who are poised to lead the heat pump revolution. He entered the industry nearly a decade ago through the Ontario Second Careers program and quickly realized that continued education would be essential to his long-term success.
“When I got my gas license, I already knew electric heating and cooling – especially heat pumps – were the future. That’s why getting my 313 was so important to me,” Ray recalls, adding, “I attribute a lot of my success to always seeking to broaden my capabilities and wear as many hats in the industry as I can.”
With the rise in demand for heat pumps, Ray encourages others in the trade to adopt a similar mindset: "If your employer mostly assigns you to furnace or water heater work, think back to when gas replaced oil. We expected oil techs to step up, take the gas courses, and evolve."
The same thing is happening now, he continues. “And while they may be licensed for gas, today’s gas technicians are ultimately responsible for home comfort. As the ways we heat and cool homes evolve, so must we.”
About the program
HRAI’s Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency is a multi-phase initiative supported by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and involves technicians across Ontario who are partially educated in heat pump installation and maintenance. The initiative was created to gauge their skill level, knowledge, and confidence with the technology, identify where more training is required, and work with the provincial educators to fill the gaps.
Learn more about the Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency initiative online or in the latest issue of HRAI Insight Magazine.
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