This podcast episode focuses on the critical shortage of HVACR technicians and installers across the industry. The hosts discuss the massive gap that exists, with estimates of nearly 200,000 open roles expected in the next few years. They are joined by Lenny Diaddario from Copeland's contractor services department and Chris Harris from the educational nonprofit National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). Lenny and Chris explain the various initiatives Copeland and NC3 have undertaken to help attract more people to the HVACR trades. This includes STEM education outreach to get kids interested from an early age, partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA and PHCC, virtual reality training tools that allow interactive compressor teardowns, and comprehensive certification curricula developed in collaboration with subject matter experts and instructors. One major program they highlight is the "train the trainer" events where instructors from trade schools can get certified on the Copeland curriculum over an intensive week. They then take that knowledge back to their schools to teach and certify students as Copeland technicians. The goal is to build a strong foundational workforce of certified HVACR professionals. Topics covered include: The severe shortage of HVACR technicians and the need to fill roles Changing the stigma around vocational education and trade schools Appeal of trades to younger generations for self-reliance Copeland's initiatives like STEM days, SkillsUSA, virtual reality trainers NC3's certification curricula and "train the trainer" instructor events Copeland's online/mobile training resources like apps and AI assistant In-person training courses offered ranging from 1 day to multi-day The long-term vision for socioeconomic impact through a skilled trades workforce Browse some of Copeland's training opportunities at https://www.copeland.com/en-us/training-support/hvacr-training. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.