We are working with you to build a capable and talented Residential HVAC workforce that will succeed in a low carbon, electrified economy. Sign up here for Heat Pump Skills Training
HRAI partnered with NRCan and Environment and Climate Change Canada for the Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency research project. This project has three phases:
- Phase I: Skills Gap Assessment
- Phase II: Development of training to address the skills identified in Phase I
- Phase III: Pilot the training developed in Phase II
The goal of this research project is to understand the current skills and competencies in the Residential HVAC workforce, and where they might need to enhance their knowledge to better support the market transition to electrification and heat pumps.
In Ontario, in order to install a heat pump in compliance with the province’s requirements, one must have either a Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanics (313D) or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) license. A Gas Technicians (G2) is not authorized to install or work on a heat pump.
The current residential HVAC workforce employs thousands of G2s whose skills might become less relevant as society shifts to a decarbonized, low carbon economy. We need figure out how to move them towards their 313D license in order to maintain their talent and contribution for home comfort solutions.
A qualified workforce will help to instil confidence among residential customers, minimize service and warranty issues and ensure efficient heat pump operations.
In Phase I, a technical committee of heat pump SMEs (subject matter experts) developed a DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) documenting the process of a residential heat pump installation from the first on-site conversation with the homeowner, through the step by step installation, troubling shooting a service call and regular maintenance. The result identified 23 skill sets, which was transferred into an on-line technical assessment completed by almost 100 G2s and 313Ds from across Ontario. The inputs gathered from the technicians are helping us understand the state of the existing workforce – both G2s and 313Ds – their readiness from a skills and competencies perspective and any potential skill gaps that will impede their success in a low carbon economy. A report on the findings and recommendations will be produced and available for the industry, government and others.
For Phase II, HRAI is working with multiple colleges to support the training development to address the skills gaps identified in Phase I.
Phase III involves the pilot delivery of the training developed in Phase II.
For more information or to obtain a copy of the Phase I final report, please contact Stephanie Meyer.
This project is funded in part by Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.