Top Plumbing Industry Trends in Plumbing from Mechanical Hub Artwork

The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

When talking about the built environment, we would do well to remember, "We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us." Therefore, on each episode, we'll discuss the latest trends from IAPMO in plumbing and mechanical safety, sustainability, and resiliency. Join me, your host Christoph Lohr, and together, we'll explore the ways we can make our buildings shape us for the better.

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The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

Top Plumbing Industry Trends in Plumbing from Mechanical Hub

September 10, 2024 • IAPMO • Season 4 • Episode 13

In this insightful episode, Mechanical Hub hosts Tim Ward and John Messenbrink discuss three major plumbing industry trends: the push towards electrification, artificial Intelligence (AI), and the skilled trade gap, especially as it relates to attracting a more diverse workforce.

Regarding electrification, Tim and John note that while electrification is important for environmental reasons, they caution about the need for a measured approach and improved infrastructure to support this transition.

Tim and John also discussed that while AI wasn’t going to replace skilled labor, it could potentially benefit plumbing businesses in the areas of lead generation, customer support, and inventory management.

This discussion concludes with the estimated need for 80,000 new skilled workers annually across construction trades. While emphasizing the importance of increased funding for apprenticeships, trade schools, and training programs, Tim and John also note the importance of increasing diversity in the North American plumbing industry.