Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Comfort Usa
Search every verified Terrence Reed interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a November 2024 podcast appearance, Terrence Reed, senior vice president of talent and leadership development at Comfort Systems, discussed the skilled trade shortage affecting the construction industry. Reed stated that the shortage of plumbers, electricians, and pipe fitters is forcing companies to be "very selective in the work we take" and is affecting the growth of both his business and the broader industry. He noted that more people are leaving the industry due to baby boomer retirements than entering it, and that the average mechanical aptitude of high school graduates is lower than in previous decades, requiring companies to invest in upskilling. Reed said the industry faces a perception problem, with many viewing construction as outdated despite technological advances. He argued that companies need to improve marketing to highlight opportunities and earning potential, and that in-house training programs are necessary to close the gap. To attract more women, who make up only two to five percent of the skilled trades workforce, Reed said companies should fund programs targeting middle school girls, educate guidance counselors, and create more inclusive workplace cultures and policies, including supportive maternity leave.
“There is a substantial shortage of skilled trades like plumbers, electricians, and pipe fitters, and it's impacting companies like ours by forcing us to be very selective in the work we take.”
“The skilled trade shortage is affecting the growth not only of our business but the broader construction industry, as companies have to balance bidding on jobs with the availability of talent.”
“Without creating some level of in-house training programs, we will not close the skilled trade gap given current job openings, trade school enrollments, and projections.”
“The average mechanical aptitude of kids coming out of high school is lower than 20 or 30 years ago, so we have to upskill in areas we may not have needed to before.”
“There is a perception issue that the construction industry is outdated, but we are much more advanced technologically than people imagine.”
“We have the most diverse workforce and talent base we've ever had, yet the industry is still going through a transition where some individuals may feel they are not wanted.”
“We generally have more people leaving the industry due to baby boomer retirements than coming in, which is a mounting challenge.”
“As an industry, we can do a much better job marketing and selling ourselves, including the opportunities and the amount of money people can make.”
“To attract more women into skilled trades, it starts with marketing to show women they are welcome, funding programs to get middle school girls interested, and creating inclusive cultures and policies.”
“We have to make sure our maternity leave policies and workplace environments are supportive and creative to meet employee needs without jeopardizing project schedules.”
Season 1, Episode 13 In this episode, Terry Reed, senior vice president of talent and leadership development at Comfort Systems ...
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