The ACHR News: Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap to Accelerate the Energy Transition

October 8, 2024 - Budderfly CEO Al Subbloie wrote an article for ACHR News covering the skilled worker shortage the energy transition is facing and how Budderfly is working to help. 

"At Budderfly, we’re taking a similar approach by partnering with trade schools to train energy technicians in advanced HVAC/R technologies. This is a direct response to the alarming 50% decrease in certified HVAC technicians over the past decade. By donating state-of-the-art energy technologies from partners like Fujitsu
and Carrier, we ensure that students receive hands-on training with the latest equipment, preparing them for a projected 6% annual growth in demand through 2032.

It’s not just about what companies can do—community involvement is critical to changing perceptions and building a robust pipeline of skilled workers. Employers have a unique opportunity to engage with local schools, offering apprenticeships, summer work opportunities, mentorships, and workshops. Parents and educational
systems also play a vital role in promoting trades as a viable and rewarding career path. Budderfly and Sunrun are just two examples of companies actively participating in these efforts, but we need more industry players to step up."

Read the full article here.