Building a Diverse Workforce for the Future

At Trane Technologies, we wholeheartedly believe that investing in a diverse workforce is the right thing to do and an essential catalyst for growth.  Research consistently reinforces that companies with diverse teams tap into a broader range of perspectives and solutions, leading to increased innovation and overall success. Building a diverse workforce reflective of our communities has always been a top priority.

But we also recognize that achieving this goal requires more than isolated efforts. It calls for the creation of a wide range of programs that forge meaningful connections with our communities and deep collaborations with universities and organizations with direct ties to the people we seek to attract. 

Workforce innovation

One of the ways we foster opportunities for the diverse talent in our communities and facilitate their growth and readiness for the future is by expanding access to education and building pathways to sustainable careers. That also means changing our own expectations about the skills necessary for those entering the workforce and offering more on-the-job development. 

In the HVAC industry, approximately 40,100 technician positions become available annually, with a significant portion of these openings arising from the retirement of older technicians. These roles are only increasing in demand as our industry helps with the climate control needs of our customers.

We pioneered a program to build a sustainable service technician workforce to address the challenge of a shrinking skilled bench, while also creating new career opportunities in our communities. Our Technician Apprenticeship Program, a nationwide, four-year, paid program, not only helps recruit and nurture service technicians on a large scale, it also helps fill the skilled labor pipeline and provides opportunities for diverse talent. The program--accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor--provides comprehensive curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, and practical on-the-job training to prepare apprentices for rewarding technician careers. 

Since launching earlier this year, the program has welcomed 80 apprentices from all over the country and will ultimately expand and strengthen our existing workforce and help attract people who are looking for on-the-job growth as they enter the workforce or make a change in their career trajectory.