Ep 7: Workforce Development and SkillsUSA

This year, one of the priorities of AHRI’s Chairman of the Board is to strengthen workforce development opportunities. With the Baby Boomer retirement cliff looming, the U.S. is on track to experience a huge drop off in the number of skilled technicians to work on HVACR equipment. Keep in mind, that will all happen while the country is already experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, making the problem even worse.One of the strongest voices in advocating for trade schools and technical education is Skills USA. It is a workforce development program with chapters in thousands of middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions across the country.Its premier event -- the Skills USA National Leadership and Skills Conference -- is held every June in Atlanta, Georgia. During that week, thousands of students, teachers, and industry representatives gather for skills competitions, educational sessions, and a Tech-Spo, which is what they call their expo floor!AHRI is proud to participate as an exhibitor to help connect people with the resources that allow them to pursue a valuable career in the trades. Our guest today is Betz Rother Duffield, AHRI’s Manager of Member Services, to tell us more about AHRI’s recent workforce initiatives and her trip to Skills USA!Learn more about the Rees Scholarship Foundation: https://www.ahrinet.org/scholarships-education/ahri-rees-scholarship-foundationApply for a Rees Scholarship: https://www.ahrinet.org/scholarships-education/ahri-rees-scholarship-foundation/apply