In the Air - HRAI Industry News

Like many young people discovering careers in the skilled trades, Rachel Richard found her path into HVAC through a blend of family influence, educational opportunity, and hands-on experience. Now, after a winning performance at the 2026 CMPX Skills Competition, she’s preparing to launch her career in the industry.

Before ever picking up a tool, Rachel was introduced to HVAC through her mother, who worked as an office manager within the industry. Combined with summer work alongside her uncle, the exposure helped her realize she preferred hands-on work to a traditional office career.

“I saw how enjoyable it was and I also worked with my uncle during the summers, so I already knew I liked working with my hands and that it suited me better than a typical office job,” she says.

Rachel’s interest in the trade took shape during her studies at College Avenue Secondary School in Woodstock, where she enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program. Through dedicated HVAC courses, she gained exposure to refrigeration, heating, and cooling while earning valuable credentials, including her ODP certification and G3 Gas Technician licence.

“Normally, the G3 course costs like $5,000, so getting it through the school for free is a huge opportunity,” she reflects.

The program’s co-op component was equally beneficial. Through it, Rachel spent three months at Jayden’s Mechanical’s London branch gaining hands-on experience on both the residential and commercial sides of the business. Now, after several months of proving herself in the field, she is proud to tell HRAI, “I just finished my co-op yesterday and they hired me immediately.”

Co-op, CMPX, and Beyond

Earlier this year, Rachel joined HVAC students from across Ontario at the 2026 CMPX Skills Competition, where she earned first place and joined several of her peers from College Avenue Secondary School on the podium.

“It was a really fun competition and a chance to demonstrate the skills we’d developed through the program,” she says.

The competition marked another milestone in what has been a busy year for Rachel. Combined with her studies at College Avenue Secondary School and work at James Mechanical’s London branch, it has given her a strong firsthand look at the demands, rewards, and realities of working in HVAC.

For example, while some days follow a predictable schedule, others require technicians to stay late to ensure the job gets done.

“Some days, it's new home construction and we’re there for multiple days working till five before going home, but some days you’re doing a furnace or AC system and might have to stay late if you can't get it finished,” she says. “There's been one or two days where we stayed till like 6:30 or 8:00, just to get it done and make sure that the customer is good.”

What has surprised Rachel most, however, is the supportive culture she has encountered across the industry. Whether working alongside experienced technicians, interacting with customers, or sharing jobsites with other trades, she has found people eager to lend a hand.

“People are really helpful,” she says. “When they see I’m struggling and they know I’m just starting out, people will help me, and it’s really nice.”

With high school behind her and her apprenticeship underway, Rachel is now focused on the next phase of her career. Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), her co-op hours are already counting toward her apprenticeship at James Mechanical. Looking ahead, Rachel is eager to build out her skills by earning her 313A commercial refrigeration licence and upgrading her current G3 certification to a G1 Gas Technician licence.

“I just want to get all my licences,” she says. “I want to be a licensed journeyperson.”

For other young people considering a career in the trades, Rachel’s advice is simple: stay curious, keep learning, and keep an open mind.

“You're going to get advice from everyone, so take everyone's advice and form an opinion for yourself, keep trying new things, keep learning, and just have an open mind.”