The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) sector in India is on the cusp of exponential growth and is projected to expand eightfold within the next two decades. Alongside this growth trajectory lies a significant opportunity for job creation, with an estimated demand for 200,000 skilled technicians over the next two years. However, despite the promising outlook, the industry faces several daunting challenges that impede its progress.
The issue has profound implications for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability as the industry grows. Heightened energy consumption and the need for eco-friendly refrigerants emerge as significant concerns. A striking 80% of inefficiencies in developing sustainable business models stem from a notable shortage of skilled manpower. This scarcity of adept workers not only jeopardizes the industry’s expansion potential but also threatens to hinder productivity and efficiency across various sectors, underlining the critical role of cooling in driving growth and opportunity.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a compounded challenge due to a lack of awareness regarding the future ramifications of their actions within the industry. This lack of comprehension exacerbates resource and knowledge shortfalls, hindering effective skill development initiatives. Additionally, the certification gap among HVAC&R technicians, who often lack formal education or certification, further complicates matters. Disconnects with existing educational institutions lead to high unemployment rates among graduates, exacerbated by competition from the gig economy. Despite recognizing opportunities, industry associations often prioritize personal and institutional interests, neglecting broader challenges. Outdated training methods persist, highlighting the urgent need for innovative approaches. Despite the governmental emphasis on skill development, the unique needs of the HVAC&R sector remain largely overlooked.
Proposing an alternative approach involves the development of comprehensive online courses covering essential HVAC&R knowledge, safety protocols, tool usage, soft skills, and air conditioning system maintenance. These courses should be easily accessible through platforms like YouTube or OEM websites. Additionally, collaborating with local SMEs as evaluators and training partners can provide practical offline tests for certification by a government agency. Small business start-ups can be fostered by implementing subsidies for candidates and training companies and providing financial incentives for certified technicians through Mudra loans. This strategy tackles existing remuneration challenges and encourages entrepreneurship while decreasing reliance on traditional training methods. Once a database of certified technicians is established, the focus will shift to prioritizing upskilling through specialized programs such as the Air Conditioning and Ventilation Installers Program, Refrigeration Technician Program, Various HVAC&R Troubleshooting Programs, and a three-year Bachelor’s program for advanced skills.
As a solution, in collaboration with FunFirst, RATA has launched three pilot programs under both Central and State Government Schemes. FunFirst liaises with the government to avail various scheme benefits and facilitate registration, while the curriculum is refined by RATA to meet industry standards. FunFirst supports in identifying candidates, while RATA members serve as skilling partners. RATA also provides opportunities for trained and certified technicians within its membership to secure placements.