Plymouth County Leads Massachusetts in Revolutionary HVAC Apprenticeship Programs as Industry Faces Critical Shortage

While Massachusetts faces one of the most severe skilled HVAC technician shortages in decades, Plymouth County has emerged as a beacon of hope through innovative apprenticeship programs that are directly addressing the crisis. There’s currently a shortage of 110,000 HVAC technicians nationwide, with about 25,000 technicians leaving their companies each year, and industry experts predict even more severe shortages ahead, with HVAC talent shortages expected to reach up to 40% in the next ten years.

The Magnitude of the Crisis

The situation is particularly acute in Massachusetts, where the state’s aging housing stock and harsh winters create year-round demand for HVAC services. The technician shortage isn’t just a problem for HVAC companies—it directly impacts homeowners throughout Massachusetts. According to a recent report by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), more than 50% of construction companies in the region are struggling to find qualified workers. From HVAC technicians to electricians and plumbers, the demand for specialized talent far exceeds the current supply, affecting both large contractors and small local businesses.

The average age of HVAC technicians is currently around 57, indicating a significant upcoming departure of skilled veterans from the workforce, with approximately 22% of the labor force expected to exit within the next decade. Meanwhile, the HVAC industry is growing at a rate of 10-15% annually, creating a supply-and-demand imbalance that’s becoming increasingly difficult to bridge.

Plymouth County’s Innovative Response

Plymouth County has recognized that traditional hiring methods are no longer sufficient to meet demand. Companies are getting creative to find employees, opening trade schools right on their property to hopefully solve the shortage problem. To make it all happen, some companies have teamed up with construction institutes, allowing schools to offer multiple trades from HVAC to electric and carpentry.

The Massachusetts Building Trades unions and their contractor partners operate over 30 joint apprenticeship training centers (JATCs) across Massachusetts, with several programs specifically serving the Plymouth County region. Union HVAC apprenticeships are offered throughout Massachusetts through the United Association local union chapters. They are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding, and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Multiple Pathways to Success

The region offers various routes into HVAC careers. If you are interested in a non-union Refrigeration/HVAC apprenticeship, the Associated Builders and Contractors Massachusetts Chapter (ABC) works in cooperation with the non-profit Building Massachusetts Careers (BMC) to offer apprenticeships in the construction trades. The advantage to a union apprenticeship is that all required job hours and education will be met during the four or five year program, usually at no cost. If you pursue an entry-level position independently to gain your work experience, you will have to seek out educational classes elsewhere.

Apprenticeship positions earn up to $20/hour and provide excellent benefits, including HRA (Health Reimbursement Account), paid vacation, paid holiday, ongoing training, $250 in tool allowance, and opportunity for advancement.

Economic Opportunity and Career Outlook

The Bay State is one of the top-paying states for HVAC mechanics and installers in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 441,000 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers nationwide and 7,410 work in Massachusetts. That number nationwide is expected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 — adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 19% growth rate for Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Massachusetts compared to 6% nationwide.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers nationally as $59,620. Massachusetts has the third highest annual mean wage in the country at $75,190.

Local Industry Leadership

Companies like Dempsey Energy exemplify the commitment to addressing this crisis through quality service and professional development. Dempsey Energy started in 1992 as an oil company by Law and Nancy Dempsey that employed family and friends. After several years of providing these services, the business was passed on to the next generation of Dempsey. This move created new opportunities such as adding licensed services to customers and indulging in all aspects of home energy services. We have grown quickly over the last few decades and have expanded our reach of home services and locations where we do business.

For homeowners seeking reliable service during this shortage, choosing an experienced Plymouth County HVAC Contractor becomes even more critical. For over 30 years, families across Massachusetts have trusted companies like Dempsey Energy to keep their homes running efficiently and comfortably. With fast, same-day repairs, fully stocked trucks, and 24/7 emergency services, they’re here when you need them most—ensuring your home stays safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

The Future of HVAC in Plymouth County

Federal laws like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 with its extensive federal incentives are expected to drive electrification efforts, like heat pumps replacing A/C units, furnaces and water heaters, adding to the need for skilled technicians familiar with the technology. This creates even more opportunities for those entering the field through apprenticeship programs.

Apprentices feel good about learning an essential trade skill and having plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement, with no experience needed to get started. As one instructor notes, “If you’re somebody who likes to solve problems, likes to learn new skills, the trade is definitely something to get into.”

Plymouth County’s proactive approach to HVAC apprenticeships represents a model for addressing the skilled trades shortage. Through partnerships between unions, contractors, and educational institutions, the region is not just training the next generation of HVAC professionals—it’s ensuring that homeowners and businesses continue to receive the reliable service they depend on, even in the face of unprecedented industry challenges.