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Home » labor shortage

Articles Tagged with ''labor shortage''

A group of three multi-ethnic workers at a construction site wearing hard hats, safety glasses and reflective clothing, smiling and conversing.
Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

More than a paycheck: why retention starts with respect

Respect and trust are the real reasons workers stay in this industry.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
August 18, 2025

It’s about clarity and consistency. Are your techs empowered to say no to unreasonable requests? Do they feel supported when a client pushes back? Do your customers understand the value behind your pricing, and the fact that your team isn’t just delivering a service, they’re delivering their skill, time and care?


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A male home inspector is using an endoscope inspection camera to check the kitchen tube
Guest Editorial | Lindsay Renkel

Work smarter, not harder: giving labor productivity a boost with technology

Facing a growing labor gap, plumbing and mechanical contractors are turning to digital tools.
Lindsay Renkel author profile
Lindsay Renkel
July 14, 2025

Advances in hardware and software open the door to future-proof projects, maximize resources and unlock new efficiencies. Here are three ways plumbing and mechanical contractors can use technology to get more done despite the industry’s shortage of skilled labor.


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Plumber And Apprentice Fitting Central Heating

Prepping for the next generation

The next generation is inheriting the skilled trades industry at an interesting time. How can you prepare them?
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 18, 2025

Allow your young workers time to learn. Mistakes will happen; turn them into learning opportunities. Do your best to create an environment where questions are encouraged! We all start somewhere, after all. And, most importantly, recognize growth when you see it. Gen-Z workers seem to thrive off of praise, so don’t be shy with it!


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Plumber and apprentice working in construction site.
The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

The apprenticeship mindset: Lifelong learning as a leader

The best leaders never stop learning.
Kenny Chapman headshot with a white round border frame, 200x200
Kenny Chapman
May 30, 2025

In the trades, apprenticeships form the basis for skill development, but the concept should extend beyond entry-level roles to become a lifelong approach to leadership.



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The interior of a government building.

President Trump signs executive order promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships

This Executive Order aims to modernize the federal workforce development.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 9, 2025

This order aims to help equip the future skilled trades workers of America with the training, knowledge and experience that is needed to increase the number of skilled trades workers and apprentices in the U.S, and to invest in the reindustrialization and economic growth of America.


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The architect is talking about a new project in the meeting room. Four people are sitting at the table, three wearing yellow construction vests and two white safety helmets on the table.
Guest Editorial | Destry Thompson

From apprentice to all-star

Investing in employee training and development.
Destry Thompson headshot 200x200px
Destry Thompson
March 19, 2025

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.



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Male teacher helping a young college student with his work on a laptop while sitting with classmates at a table in a school cafeteria.
Guest Editorial | Celia Church

Technology is necessary to recruit and train the next generation of home service employees

Best practices for attracting and training new employees.
Celia Church
Celia Church
November 13, 2024

How can smaller, locally-owned home service businesses compete with larger companies for a new generation of workers? Beyond better pay and a more engaging culture, they must use technology to attract younger employees.


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Victorville, Califorinia-based Motherflushers Plumbing

‘American Plumber Stories’ continues mission of highlighting plumbing as a top career choice

New season expands beyond US borders to showcase plumbing heroes worldwide.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
October 21, 2024

“American Plumber Stories,” a YouTube docuseries hosted by Craig Morgan, aims to promote plumbing as a career. Directed by Spencer Brown of Pfister, it has become a cultural symbol for the plumbing community, inspiring trade school teachers to incorporate it into their curriculum and receiving positive feedback for its impact.


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The NFPA logo.

NFPA Survey finds an increase in use of digital tools among skilled trades workers, despite collaboration being top challenge in 2024

August 21, 2024

Eighty-two percent of respondents use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programs. The majority of respondents within this group recognize the diverse benefits that digital tools offer the skilled trades industry.


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01 PM 0424 Franchise feature image of showerhead.jpg

Franchises offer expansion opportunities for plumbing contractors

Jumpstart growth while minimizing risk by adding a franchise.
Dean Hartley
Dean Hartley
March 18, 2024

A thriving plumbing business relies on a collaborative team spanning various functions. Facing challenges like labor shortages and limited resources, many contractors struggle to expand into new markets. Adding a franchise can accelerate growth, minimize risk, and unlock fresh opportunities by leveraging established systems and resources.


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