Brett Voccola, the Manager of Apprenticeship at Encon Heating & AC, joins the show to share how one Connecticut-based HVAC company is solving the labor shortage by growing its own talent. With 350 employees and a legacy dating back to 1969, Encon recognized that relying on a small, competitive labor pool was no longer sustainable. Brett discusses the development of Encon University, an in-house apprenticeship program that recruits high school students through a work-based learning pipeline. By engaging with students early and often, Encon provides a clear path to becoming a licensed technician by age 19, often making these young pros the highest earners in their households. Brett explains the importance of layering mentorship and support for new hires to help them transition from the structure of high school to the freedom of the field.
Join us as we discuss:
[4:42] Pitching opportunities for personal growth and stability over career choices
[11:52] Building a talent pipeline through work-based learning programs
[19:02] Why it’s important to start the trades recruitment pitch early and often
[27:12] Encon University’s training timeline and initial challenges
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