While we generally don’t associate the invention of high-tech software with plumbers or other home service techs, reality couldn’t be further from the truth. The use of virtual reality and artificial intelligence has already permeated healthcare, academia and inventory management and routing. However, its use in the home service industry is a game-changer for companies that want to grow and stay on top of their recruiting efforts.

Right now, plumbing companies are already using video technology to help train new employees. Some larger companies have developed modular or consumption-based educational materials that their techs can use as needed.

But for home service companies to survive the forecasted challenges of labor shortages and supply chain snafus, even smaller companies need to start adapting to and adding technology-based learning and recruiting strategies to stay competitive.

21st Century Training

When most home service company leaders were coming up in the business, they more than likely learned their trade by going out with a more experienced plumber or HVAC tech. They learned on the job and kept up with new developments through both manufacturer training sessions and simply by doing the work.

As YouTube and other online video curating sites developed, early adopters started creating how-to videos for both professionals and the home mechanic alike. 

And, as mobile phone apps became more popular, techs who needed help from more experienced professionals who were at another location started using applications like FaceTime to get advice in real time.

But technology isn’t staying still, and applications to assist with online or self-paced learning are continuing to be developed.

In addition to the self-paced modular learning that can be employed at any plumbing company, VR and AI are exploding with useful applications.

After learning the trade through a series of online courses, new techs and plumbers of tomorrow will use virtual reality to train on new products or services and will be able to use mobile apps to simulate real-world situations.

The use of wearables like smart glasses is also a future consideration. Techs can simultaneously watch videos or simulations on how to repair an intelligent HVAC system while they’re working on the machinery. This technology allows managers to assist newer technicians on demand and ensures a proper repair is conducted.

Your home service techs won’t be the only department that will benefit from these technologies. For example, the use of technology will help you train your customer service representatives and also provide them with the tools they need to deliver more efficient and targeted customer care.

Your CSR system can be geared to triage customer problems with the use of a ChatBot system that can assist in answering routine questions while your best CSRs will be personally handling more detailed and pressing customer issues.

The Smart Home

Technology isn’t limited to the tools and applications your team purchases, either. Many modern homes are being built with smart home technology, and customers are purchasing new HVAC units, water heaters and other appliances that use the Internet of Things to analyze and communicate issues.

According to Statista Research, the smart home market is forecast to continuously increase between 2023 and 2028 by 424.5 million users. Big tech companies like Google, Apple and Samsung are already making smart home devices, and HVAC manufacturers have had smart thermostats on the market for years. Home service techs are already seeing more intelligent HVAC systems and water heaters that focus on efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint and communicating with the homeowner or service tech.

Smart homes are revolutionizing how home service techs do their jobs. Because these devices can provide diagnostic data in real time, techs of the future will either already know what the issue is before arriving at the customer’s home or will be able to find out very quickly upon arrival.

This eliminates the time these techs would have spent attempting to personally diagnose problems so they are more quickly able to repair the equipment. And, if they know the problem by linking into the system from the office, they will also already have the equipment and tools necessary to make the repairs on their trucks before they roll out to the home.

This frees up their time so that they can run more service calls, which, in turn, means they are able to bring more money into the business.

Making the Trades Cool

Those of us who work in the trades know the major problem facing our industry: many of our most seasoned veterans are retiring, and there aren’t enough young techs entering the field to take their places.

Part of the reason for this is that we’ve done a bad job making the trades look cool. 

But through the use of new and innovative technology, we can not only recruit more applicants, we can also use the new and innovative technology to attract them to the field in the first place.

For example, there are a number of AI applications, like ChatGPT, that can help your human resources team develop better job descriptions or craft better advertisements. You also need to boost your visibility on platforms that younger generations use and position your company in a way that complements your culture.

Let applicants know your vision and how your company works. While younger employees want a good paycheck and steady work, they also put a lot of stock in their work-life balance. Letting your employees know where you see your business in five, 10 or 15 years helps create the positive company culture that retains good employees and makes your home service business the company everyone wants to work for.

You should also brag about the new technologies your company uses in its daily tasks. Gen Z has completely grown up around technology, so advertising that your company’s techs have the tools and the training to connect with and service smart home technology is more attractive to a younger audience.

And, attracting younger techs is also a selling point for your marketing team. Having a new generation of techs with the ability to connect with and service intelligent home comfort systems is something your sales team can promote. Homeowners expectations will change as smart home technology becomes more pervasive.

The key for home service business owners if they want to continue to scale and grow their businesses is that now is not the time to be complacent. Technology is not only the key to enticing new customers, it is also the conduit to attracting the workforce of the future.