Why HVAC companies are hiring people with records

The numbers tell the story. Virginia's Department of Corrections tracked graduates from their HVAC training programs and found that only 5.6% returned to prison—helping Virginia maintain the lowest recidivism rate in the country at 23%. Programs in other states report similar results.

Employers are paying attention. When your industry is desperate for workers and the data shows that people coming out of HVAC training programs stay out of trouble and show up for work, it changes the hiring conversation.

In Massachusetts specifically, the clean energy sector needs to fill over 38,000 jobs in the next six years. According to the state's clean energy center, nearly 90% of clean energy employers report difficulty finding workers. That includes HVAC technicians working on heat pumps, geothermal systems, and energy-efficient building systems.

The Massachusetts opportunity: clean energy jobs

Massachusetts is investing heavily in clean energy, and HVAC work is at the center of it. The state needs heat pump installers, geothermal technicians, and energy efficiency specialists to meet climate goals, cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

Training programs across the state are specifically recruiting from populations underrepresented in the existing workforce, including people with criminal records. Organizations like Emerge Career are not only training people for these jobs, but we’re working directly with employers to help place students after the program.

The skilled trades are one of the few career paths where your hustle, your hands, and your willingness to learn matter more than your resume. HVAC companies need people who show up, work hard, and can learn the technical skills. If that's you, you have a real shot.

State licensing requirements vary widely

In Massachusetts:

• No absolute ban on licensing for people with felonies
• Licensing boards consider the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and evidence of rehabilitation
• Generally, you need significant time since your release—often five years or more
• Completing a recognized training program helps your case

See if you qualify by applying here: ___

Looking for free HVAC training in Massachusetts?

Emerge Career offers FREE HVAC training for people building careers in the skilled trades. If you qualify, we'll train you for free, help you get certified, and connect you directly with employers who are ready to hire.

Here's how it works:

1. Fill out this quick application (takes 10 minutes): link
2. Learn the basics online (on your own schedule)
3. Get hands-on training in person
4. We help you land a job

Apply for Emerge Career’s FREE HVAC training program today →

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