Women in HVACR Are Driving Change Across the Skilled Trades
Trade school enrollment climbed 4.9% between fall 2020 and fall 2023, signaling a national shift toward skills-based careers as alternatives to four-year degrees. This modest but meaningful rebound underscores growing interest in trades like HVACR, where demand is high, but representation remains lopsided. For decades, women in the field have been overlooked despite playing critical roles across operations, service, and leadership.
How can the HVAC industry unlock its full potential by expanding access, visibility, and mentorship for women already doing the work?
In this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton sits down with Amy O’Grady, Executive Director of Women in HVACR. Amy shares her journey from managing her family’s air conditioning business to becoming a licensed contractor and national advocate. Together, they examine the structural gaps in workforce development and why celebrating women in the HVAC industry is long overdue.
Key Points from the Episode:
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Women in HVACR is focused on mentorship, networking, and visibility to support women at all stages of their HVAC careers.
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While enrollment in trade schools is recovering, workforce gaps persist, particularly in middle-skill roles that require hands-on experience and on-the-job learning.
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Companies can better support women in the HVAC industry by engaging with volunteer-led organizations like Women in HVACR, offering bulk memberships, mentorship opportunities, and conference participation.
Amy O’Grady is a licensed HVAC contractor and nonprofit executive with over a decade of experience leading marketing, operations, and strategic growth initiatives across the skilled trades sector. As Executive Director of Women in HVACR, she has elevated national visibility for women in the industry through mentorship programs, board leadership, and high-impact events. Her expertise spans membership engagement, brand development, and governance strategy, empowering organizations to expand reach, boost performance, and drive workforce inclusion.
Article written by MarketScale.
