UPFRONT

COMMUNITY

WELCOME TO 2021. As unsettling as last year was for everyone dealing with confusing pandemic guidelines—for both work and our day-to-day lives—it seems now people and businesses have more or less adapted and although we’re not back to normal, we’ve settled into new routines.

Having overcome the first year of living in a pandemic, the battle continues to eliminate the virus and free our country from its grip, but we’re also now able to shift our focus back to some other big-picture topics. One of those issues is the real concern about the aging workforce in the trades and the lack of new apprentices coming behind to fill the gaps.

In a study released by Statistics Canada last fall, examining the period between 2008 to 2016, researchers found that among apprentices who had registered in training across all skilled trades, only 16% obtained their certificate in the expected amount of time, while 64% remained in their program for an extended period and 20% left their programs. Overall, just over one third ever completed their programs.

They identified that working conditions and wages during apprenticeship placements play a role, and the data did show that those who had well-paying apprenticeship positions were also more likely to become certified.

There is something to be said for taking in aspiring young talent and exposing them to positive experiences to learn and grow.

One of our readers recently shared with me that he sees the “generational shift” that’s happening, and as a business owner he’s reading articles about how to "retain", "engage" and "communicate" with the younger generation.

He raises a strong point, that it’s not just attracting people to the industry, but keeping them once they’re here.

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed in my brief time observing the plumbing the HVAC/R industries it’s the strong sense of community among colleagues.

Talk about standing proud and sharing good will. Maybe this is a nod to the “newer” generation, but I’ve found plenty of examples that make me smile on Instagram.

In fact, we here at HPAC have been inspired by the many talented plumbing and heating professionals that make up the hydronics industry across Canada openly sharing project photos, and subsequently receiving praise and scores of “likes” from industry colleagues. Those expressions of community support led to us launch our Sweet Heat contest last Fall. We’ve invited hydronic pros from across the country to send us photos of some of their recent challenging projects, and I have to say we’ve been thrilled with the response. The entries will ultimately be judged by our resident hydronics industry experts John Siegenthaler and Robert Bean, and the winner and runners up will be announced on the final day of our Modern Hydronics Summit (March 30-31).

It’s not too late, and we’re still accepting entries for the Sweet Heat contest until March 12—you’ll find the details at hpacmag.com or you can e-mail me for more information.

It’s our pleasure to be able to promote and expose the great work being done across the country. This is one small way we’re showing our pride in being part of this community. <>

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