In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC and mechanical trades. Drawing on nearly 15 years with the manufacturer—and a background as a service contractor—Pope outlines the industry’s most pressing skills gaps, particularly the growing shortage of technical expertise as experienced technicians retire and fewer new workers enter the field with hands-on foundations. He notes that equipment across all verticals is becoming more complex due to code changes, electrification and advancing technology, making sequence-of-operations knowledge, diagnostics and multimeter proficiency more critical than ever.

The conversation also dives into how training itself is changing. Pope emphasizes the rise of hybrid learning models that blend hands-on instruction with virtual delivery, self-paced e-learning, on-demand video and distance-guided, live-fire training conducted right in local markets. With contractors struggling to pull top technicians off the job for full-day sessions, these flexible approaches allow learning to happen with minimal disruption to operations. For the next generation of techs, Pope explains that dynamic, multi-format instruction is far more effective than long classroom lectures—and mirrors how learning has shifted across many professions since the pandemic.

Beyond technical skills, Pope stresses that leadership development, soft skills and culture are now central to recruitment and retention. He shares how tools like Gallup’s Q12 survey can help companies measure engagement, create a sense of ownership and build clear paths for growth, which are often more powerful than compensation alone. The episode also examines how manufacturers, reps and wholesalers are increasingly taking an “all hands on deck” approach to education, and why demonstrating clear return on investment is key to expanding training participation. Pope closes by highlighting Bradford White’s For the Pro platform and app as part of a broader effort to make training resources, technical support and field-ready tools accessible whenever and wherever contractors need them.