Modern problems require modern solutions.
With the HVAC industry continuing to respond to massive changes in technology and workforce demographics, the next generation of HVAC training must rise to the occasion to support HVAC businesses with these changes.
The HVAC industry is in the midst of a rapid paradigm shift. Many of the longest-tenured technicians are hitting retirement age, creating a skills gap issue that’s challenging to remedy with traditional training methods alone.
Further…
- Greenhorns are entering the field with little to no experience
- The industry is seeing continuous growth, demanding increased efficiency and performance from new and senior HVAC technicians.
Unstoppable advancements in equipment technology are complicating workflows for the most veteran HVAC technicians who can no longer rely on their years of training experience to pull businesses through these challenging times.
With such a drastic change in the HVAC industry landscape, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a new generation of training— 3D simulated HVAC learning.
The good news is that, while greenhorns are undoubtedly less experienced, they might just be the saving grace for the industry. Who better to tackle the next generation of HVAC training, than the tech-savvy Next Generation themselves?
The HVAC technicians beginning their careers today are digital natives. Born into a world where smartphones and laptops were already a normal part of daily life, they are accustomed to learning and consuming content on a screen.
Because of this, HVAC training materials now have to keep up with the times and be available online and offer engaging material that holds learner attention. Moreover, these HVAC techs require the flexibility of learning on their own time and at their own pace.
Without a doubt, the new generation prefers on-demand, online video courses, 3D simulations and VR— turning the way we deliver HVAC training content completely on its head.
What is 3D Simulated HVAC Learning?
Imagine offering all of your techs the opportunity to train on the latest systems, using the latest tools, all at the same time. And what if every tech could be training on the material they need most, and not necessarily the same as everyone else? Now, imagine this is not only possible, but affordable for any size HVAC business.
Online, 3D HVAC equipment simulators make this all possible. By immersing trainees in field-like experiences, they can learn and practice their skills anytime, anywhere on life-like industry equipment, like residential AC’s, gas furnaces, gas boilers, heat pumps, and commercial AC’s.
The Need for Something New
Classroom learning and on-the-job-training have traditionally been the primary methods to train new technicians and keep seasoned techs up to speed, however, there are several shortcomings with these methods.
-
- Classroom training is not most effective way to teach hands-on techniques needed in the HVAC industry.
- It’s challenging to offer the right classroom training when you have many technicians at different skill levels. Brand-new recruits may need to learn and review the basics, while veterans may need instruction on the latest technological advancements.
In the Field Training is not Enough
- Traditional training alone is not scalable. If you’re looking to quickly get new technicians up to speed, there’s a limit to the number of trainees you can send out with each veteran tech at a time. When there are more than one on a call, their “hands-on” training may not actually be hands on at all.
- This method of training doesn’t offer the amount of repetition new technicians require to become field-ready. 3D Simulated HVAC training provides technicians with an immersive and flexible training experience. It goes beyond the limits of traditional in-the-field training, and allows each tech to get the experience they need, whenever and wherever it works best for them.
- 3D Simulated HVAC learning programs are customizable through software technology. Owners and managers can use features, like assigning learning tracks to each technician and monitor their progress along the way. Built-in knowledge checks can generate reports on how well each team member is mastering the material.
Learning by Doing & Seeing
The immersive learning experience, enabled by 3D HVAC simulation is extremely effective for training. Studies have shown that people learn and retain information better when they can visualize learning materials.
This becomes paramount for hands-on training. Being able to see and work through troubleshooting procedures repeatedly can drastically cut down the time it takes for HVAC technicians to retain and master new skills and techniques. Not to mention, cut down on accidents and costs that can come with in the field errors.
Next generation HVAC training gives service managers the ability to focus more on running their HVAC business instead of teaching. Online, 3D HVAC learning means you could have a technician in the next room mastering common residential AC troubleshooting faults in their downtime, and another practicing their skills from home.
The Next Generation is Here
3D simulated HVAC courses give owners and managers the opportunity to stay ahead of the rapid technological and demographic changes facing the HVAC industry. Online HVAC training can help your aging technicians stay up to date on the latest industry changes, while quickly skilling up greenhorns in a method they respond to as they enter the field of HVAC.
HVAC training through online simulations can significantly improve training times and give your technicians the skills they need to close the skills gaps on your team. Not only can you train your HVAC technicians faster but you can do it at a fraction of the cost. Faster, smarter, and cheaper training for HVAC technicians will decrease costs and increase productivity.
With the significant changes the HVAC industry is facing, flexible and accessible training is needed to address those challenges with confidence. The solution: 3D simulated HVAC learning. The next generation of HVAC training takes a step beyond traditional methods and creates the opportunity for technicians to train better so businesses can perform better.
