Money still talks: What drives HVAC and Refrigeration professionals in their career choices?
We aim to assist our clients in future planning while ensuring our candidates stay informed about the job market, so you can attract the best talent to your organisation. We achieve this through our continuous market surveys and our highly regarded annual candidate Pulse survey. We asked more than 115 engineers, senior engineers, managers and directors from across different parts of the HVAC sector:
What are the most important factors when considering a new role?
Simple, short and sweet. But the findings from this simple question will help you build, grow, and manage your teams. 
Figure 1 - A graph showing what motivates HVAC engineers in their role
Salary and financial stability rule
With 67% of respondents emphasising this factor, it is evident that financial stability plays a crucial role in their career decisions. Employers must recognise the significance of competitive compensation and, crucially, the potential for extra earnings through overtime/travel time.
Alignment of interests with the type of equipment they work on
The second key insight is the importance of aligning interests with the type of equipment they work on. The survey reveals that 40% of respondents prioritise this. HVAC and Refrigeration professionals take pride in their work, and working on interesting equipment can keep productivity high and improve retention
Growth opportunities and development matters
The third factor is career growth and development. 39% of respondents rated this as a top consideration. HVAC Engineers want to enhance their skills for job satisfaction and to advance their careers. Employers that offer clear paths for growth and invest in their employees' development are more likely to attract and retain top engineers.
The survey also highlighted the significance of company culture and reputation, job security, and the balance of travel requirements. Addressing these factors can lead to better recruitment, higher job satisfaction, and the overall success of HVAC/R companies in a competitive market.
Want to know more?
Here at Calibre, we’re talking to our extensive network in the FM markets every day. Not only with active job seekers, but also our network of passive candidates across the UK day in and day out.
By understanding your candidates’ motivations and interests, you’ll understand what elements you need to prioritise to help you attract the best talent.
If you would like to discuss this further, please call John Cassidy, who runs our FM team, on 0113 234 6047 or email fm@calibresearch.co.uk
Follow Calibre for more information and look out for our next extensive candidate market survey, Calibre Pulse, due out in Autumn 2024.
