KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Steve Burbridge said more people are showing up for virtual job fairs during the coronavirus pandemic than he ever saw with in-person hiring events prior to the pandemic.
More applicants is a good thing for the owner of Lenexa, Kansas, based Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric because it is getting more calls for service than ever before.
“We don’t anticipate any slowdown in 2021,” Burbridge said.
He pointed out more people are working from home and are stressing their plumbing and HVAC systems more than usual.
A lot of the people who visit Burbridge's virtual job fairs are interested in an apprenticeship program called “Anthony University.”
Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric will teach new hires the skill sets required to work in HVAC and plumbing. Burbridge anticipates launching an electrician apprenticeship in the next year. Anthony pays apprentices during the training period.
“To be able to learn a new trade yet still draw a paycheck and be able to support my family, I mean, it was a win-win,” explained Craig Dutcher, who graduated from Anthony University four years ago after switching to HVAC from a career in retail.
Dutcher is now the HVAC trainer teaching new hires how to work on air conditioners and heaters.
“Being able to take someone fresh and have them see what they can become or what the opportunity holds for them and to see them progress through that is one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Dutcher explained.
With the increased interest in job fairs, but only so many available slots in the apprenticeship programs, Dutcher and Burbridge helped compile a Rebound Rundown for how an applicant can separate themselves from the pack:
- Highlight prior experience with mechanical or manual labor jobs.
- Showcase your people skills.
- Bosses are looking for someone who can represent the company to customers by being polite, punctual and prepared.
- Be willing to work non-traditional hours.
Brandon Walton is currently in the drain remediation apprenticeship. He’s already looking forward to the opportunity to climb the ladder.
“It’s cool to be able to think about problems and solve them, think things through and actually be able to fix it yourself and be the person that gets to provide a solution,” he explained.
Burbridge pointed out Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, proving the service is pandemic-proof.
The next virtual job fair is on Feb. 3.
The next HVAC apprenticeship class begins on Feb. 22. Information is available on Anthony’s website.
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