In the Air - HRAI Industry News

It’s been several months since Tyler Kovacs took a top spot at the CMPX 2026 Skills Competition and went on to win at the Ontario level. Now, as he settles into his first job in HVAC, he’s taking a few moments to share his perspective on what it’s like to be among the next generation of talent entering the field.

First, congrats on winning second place in the Secondary School Heating category at the CMPX 2026 Skills Competition. Tell me about your experience.

Taking part in the HVACR Skills Competition at the CMPX show was an incredible experience. After winning my first Ontario skills competition, I was inspired to compete at CMPX because it’s the biggest mechanical trade show in the country, and I wanted to see how my skills stacked up on a massive stage. The competition was definitely challenging because you are working under a strict clock right on a busy show floor with a crowd watching. I ended up placing second, which was a huge achievement. That experience actually drove me to keep pushing myself, and I went on to win the Ontario skills competition for a second consecutive year afterward.

Where are you now in your career?

I am currently working at Select Heating and Cooling as a refrigeration technician. I actually first started with the company during high school as a co-op student when I was looking for a solid local shop to get real field experience. Transitioning from a co-op placement into a full-time position has been a great next step for my career. I’m out in the field every day, taking on more responsibility with residential installations, system maintenance, and service calls, while continuing to build my skills alongside an experienced team.

What led you to the HVAC trade?

The idea originally came from having family members who work in the trade. Seeing their careers gave me a lot of respect for the industry and made me realize it was a great path to look into. From there, my interest really took off when I took an HVAC-focused class in high school while completing a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in construction. That class really sparked my interest because it showed me how much I enjoyed the technical, specialized side of mechanical systems, specifically how airflow, electrical work, and piping all come together.

What have been your impressions of the HVAC industry so far?

My impression so far is that the trade is incredibly rewarding but requires a lot of problem-solving. Every house and every system is a little bit different, so you can't just coast through a job. The most surprising thing has been the sheer variety of skills you need on a daily basis. You aren't just doing one thing; you have to understand sheet metal fabrication, complex electrical wiring, and specialized tasks like brazing, all while keeping up with changing technology.

What advice would you offer other young professionals just getting into the trade?

My biggest piece of advice is to be a sponge and never stop asking questions. When you're working with experienced technicians, pay close attention to the little things they do: their workflow, how they organize their tools, and how they troubleshoot a problem. Don't be afraid to take on the tough tasks, because that's where the real learning happens. Finally, take pride in your work; neat wiring and clean installations don't just look good, they show that you actually care about the trade.