Building Interest in the Trades

In this episode of the Prime Resources Podcast, Jon Hirsch from Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. discusses the importance of building interest in the trades, particularly HVAC, among young people. He shares insights on the industry’s challenges in recruiting new talent, his innovative outreach strategies, and the need for collaboration between contractors and educational institutions to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers. Jon emphasizes the potential for a rewarding trade career and encourages industry professionals to engage with the next generation.

Listen here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:02 — 18.3MB)

Key Takeaways

• Building interest in the trades is essential for industry survival.
• Engaging young people requires innovative and hands-on approaches.
• The HVAC industry is often unknown to students and parents.
• Technical educators are key allies in recruitment.
• Creating a pipeline for talent is crucial for future success.
• Every industry professional can contribute to solving the labor shortage.

Implementing Online Scheduling Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:19 The Importance of Workforce Development
• 07:10 Challenges in Recruiting for the Trades
• 13:11 Engaging with Schools and Students
• 16:13 Building Relationships with Educators
• 19:07 Success Stories in Trade Education
• 25:13 Advice for Getting Started in Outreach
• 28:14 Final Thoughts

About Jon Hirsch

Jon Hirsch has a diverse work experience in the HVAC industry. His career began in 1985 as a district sales manager for Aprilaire, where he excelled in driving sales growth. Jon then joined Indiana Supply Corporation in various roles, including Tempstar product and sales manager, supplies sales and marketing manager, and branch manager, continuing his career at Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. Inc., holding positions such as senior product manager, director of sales and marketing – Wisconsin, and director of marketing.
Since 2015, Jon has been the director of business development for Auer Steel & Heating Supply Company Inc. Overall, he has demonstrated his sales, marketing, and management expertise throughout his trade career.
From 1979 to 1985, Jon attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing & Management. Jon’s field of study focused on business, management, marketing, and related support services.

About the Prime Resources Podcast

BDR’s Prime Resources Podcast host, Matt MacArthur, is BDR’s Senior Vice President of Training & Marketing. Having worked in the industry for over two decades, he continually works with BDR’s trainers to improve training materials and class delivery. He leads the marketing department in developing marketing tools for BDR’s 50+ business training classes and coaching services, including the Profit Coach program.

Each episode of Prime Resources Podcast is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge you need to help your business achieve Prime results, with ‘Prime’ being the most flourishing stage or state.