We Need Women in HVACR! Why Not You?

Why we need women in the HVACR industry

The reality is, HVACR is a male-dominated industry right now. That fact is hurting the industry, not only because we’re facing a labor shortage and failing to tap into 51% of the US workforce (women). But also because women tend to excel at the types of skills HVACR service technicians must have to succeed.

At HVACR Career Connect, one of our top goals is to increase the number of women in HVACR service jobs. As an organization that supports both HVACR employers and workers, we know from experience that women are both wanted and badly needed in HVACR.

Even now, women ARE working successfully in many different types of jobs at HVACR companies, including administrative and management positions. (Read about some of them here.) However, few are working as service technicians; female techs make up only 2% of the workforce. That’s a shame, because HVACR service offers high-paying, secure jobs that are ideal for women and don’t require a college degree.

Watch this short video from UA, the union that supports HVACR workers, about the promising careers available to women in the industry:

In this article, we’ll explore why women are well-suited to HVACR service work, what can hold women back from working in our industry, and what resources women can turn to for help and career advice.

Women are great candidates for HVACR service careers

Yes, the job includes some heavy lifting, and a service technician must do physical work. However, that’s not the most important skill needed to become (and excel at) as an HVACR technician.

Today, working as an HVACR service technician requires excellent communication, customer service skills, and critical thinking skills: all areas where women tend to excel. That’s why women can be excellent assets working in the field for HVACR service organizations. (Read more in this Contracting Business article.)

These are the skills and qualities employers need most:

• Interpersonal and written communication skills
• Customer service (especially the ability to listen and connect with customers)
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Ability to multitask
• Curiosity and love of learning
• Technology-savvy

HVACR work is no longer just about mechanics. Technology is an increasingly important aspect of working as an HVACR service technician. Of course, this is true about many 21st century careers — and it’s why schools are placing such an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.

In the past, this area has been dominated by men. But now, in part due to the rise of STEM education, young women are increasingly discovering an affinity and an aptitude for technology. That’s why we are hopeful that more women will become interested in HVACR as an exciting technology career offering excellent prospects for the future.

Learn more:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Jobs: What’s Required to Get Hired

The New HVACR Technician is All About the “Tech”

Challenges women in HVACR may face

Even though women are wanted and needed in our industry, the sad fact is that even employers who are actively recruiting women for service positions are having trouble finding them.

That’s why our parent organization (MCAA/MSCA) hosted a conference for Women in the Mechanical Industries to explore the issue of attracting women to the HVACR industry and share strategies with local members. The events were attended by more than 160 women currently working in the industry. Discussions revealed the following issues that women can face in a male-dominated industry:

Imposter syndrome. Feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, even when you are doing well and achieving success in your work life.

Not being heard. Difficulty getting others to listen to your opinions and ideas. Some women report failing to speak up and make a contribution because they don’t expect others to take them seriously. They might also struggle with what they should say and how they should behave to fit in with their male counterparts.

Work and family balance. Women in male-dominated industries often report working longer hours and making more sacrifices to get noticed and respected. They also reported being less comfortable asking for time off than their male coworkers. That said, as a union service technician that is less of an issue due to contracted working hours and paid time off. However, women with families may face difficulties with working overtime hours.

These issues are certainly not unique to women in the HVACR industry. However, they can discourage women from joining our field. That’s why, at both a national level and a local level, industry organizations are working to create more supportive environments as well as programs to better support women in HVACR.

Advice and resources for women in the HVACR industry

Our goal is to break down the barriers that prevent women from joining the HVACR industry, and also to provide support that can help women to reach their greatest potential in their careers.

Check out these programs and resources that local women in HVACR can take advantage of:

WiMI initiative in New York City

It’s no secret that networking and participating in professional groups can help you grow in your career by building relationships. However, we found that women in HVACR were avoiding participating in these groups and educational events.

When we reached out to our female members to ask why, many told us that they weren’t getting the benefit from attending, due to some of the challenges we mentioned earlier. It can be intimidating walking into a networking event where nobody looks like you and you feel like there’s no one you can turn to for advice and guidance.

That’s why we recently began a local networking group here in New York City that’s just for women working in HVACR. It’s called WiMI (Women in Mechanical Industries) and it’s modeled after a MCAA’s national WiMI initiative.

In our local group, NYC women working in HVACR are now coming together to support one another. The group has the opportunity to decide on the kinds of social and educational events that they need most. This year kicked off with a bowling event to build camaraderie and help members get to know each other.

Next up on March 31, NYC WiMI is hosting a presentation by Joan Kuhl, author of “Dig Your Heels In” and advocate for talented women in business. Joan’s goal is to arm ambitious women with strategies, language, and confidence to create the life and career they desire most.

MCA/MSCA mentorship program

There is no better way to jump-start a career in a new field (and avoid some of the challenges we mentioned earlier) than having the guidance of a trusted mentor.

A mentor can share feedback about how you’re doing that employers won’t provide. And, they can answer questions and guide you in how to handle specific situations.

The national WiMI mentoring program provides a unique opportunity for young professional women in our industry to connect with a seasoned executive who can help foster mentee career development and leadership growth. The mentor will serve as an advisor and role model for the mentee.

If you decide to join an HVACR contractor as a service technician, you can explore the mentor program here: https://www.mcaa.org/news/wimi-mentor-program-educates-and-inspires-industry-women/.

Find out if you’re a good fit for a career in HVACR

Considering a career as an HVACR service technician? Our quick quiz can tell you if you’re a good fit for the work.