Trade Warriors™ HVAC Training: The Backbone of Modern Mechanical’s Success
Discover how the Trade Warriors™ HVAC training program for transitioning service members solves two problems simultaneously.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry faces a labor shortage, and transitioning service members need rewarding careers. The Trane Trade Warriors HVAC technician training program provides a solution to both problems.
Modern Mechanical + Trade Warriors = A perfect match
No HVAC company knows what a perfect match the partnership is than Modern Mechanical in Garner, North Carolina. Owner Andrew Straka expects to spend some time honing new hires’ technical skills and teaching them the ins and outs of the HVAC business.
However, for those invaluable qualities he can’t teach, he turns to the Trade Warriors™ program created by the Residential HVAC business of Trane Technologies. This initiative helps prepare transitioning service members for an HVAC career. But it also highlights one of the biggest advantages that a lot of veterans have: soft skills like punctuality, professionalism, loyalty, integrity, honesty, and a great work ethic.
Straka’s hires of the former soldiers have been so successful that he’s added 12 Trade Warriors graduates to his payroll, the most hired by any one dealer.
"At Trane Technologies, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation and empowering our veterans through the Trade Warriors program.”
- Dwayne Cowan, President, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies.
“By equipping these individuals with cutting-edge skills and certifications, we not only honor their service but also address the critical HVAC technician shortage, further driving growth and excellence within our industry. We feel a great sense of pride in offering rewarding careers to service members and assisting with the transition into civilian life after dutifully serving our country,” Cowan added.
While there may be technical gaps, Straka, a 35-year HVAC pro, said the willingness of the Trade Warriors graduates to learn, as well as the 8-week training program they undergo to become techs, makes all the difference. All former service members give their all when showing up to work, exhibiting a level of accountability that surpasses that of the average civilian employee. This reliability allows Straka to focus on growing his business and providing the highest quality service to customers.
A seamless transition
In October 2022, Dallas Matthew Neely became the second Trade Warriors graduate to join Modern Mechanical.
Neely's military background is nothing short of remarkable. He served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, including during pivotal moments like the evacuation of Kabul. It was during his time in Kuwait, while enduring sweltering heat in tents without air conditioning, that Neely decided to pursue a career in HVAC. Seeking a smooth transition from military service to civilian life, he pursued the Trade Warriors program.
“Many soldiers don’t know what to do or how to handle basic tasks after leaving service. While there’s no golden ticket for leaving the military, the Trade Warriors program provides the skillset needed to succeed in a rewarding civilian career.”
– Dallas Neely, Trade Warriors graduate
When asked why he chose Modern Mechanical, Neely said he was impressed by a question Straka posed during the interview. Straka asked, "What can we offer you?" rather than the usual "What can you offer us?" and this genuine approach left a lasting impression on Neely and solidified his decision to join the company.
Building a bright future
The integration of Trade Warriors veterans like Neely has positively impacted Modern Mechanical's HVAC service and culture, while providing a thriving career path for the former soldiers. The company boasts a 5-star Google rating, with almost 100% of reviews coming from satisfied customers.
The growth facilitated by hires through the Trade Warriors program has allowed Modern Mechanical to better manage its busy schedule, especially during peak seasons, and reduce the team’s overall stress level.
In turn, Neely has benefited from the unique freedoms his HVAC career offers, from being compensated for his time to enjoying a flexible schedule. While summers are busy, the ever-changing nature of the field keeps him engaged and motivated–each day presents new challenges that demand critical thinking and resourcefulness, both of which are skills he honed during his military service.
Neely also finds great satisfaction in working with homeowners, meeting fascinating people, and achieving a remarkable work-life balance. His ability to stay calm and maintain a professional demeanor – traits reinforced by his military background – has proven invaluable in this line of work.
As a father of two, Neely is focused on securing a bright future for his family. The support he’s received from the Trade Warriors program and Modern Mechanical has been instrumental in shaping his career. Content with his current position, Neely awaits the opportunities that lie ahead.
For Straka and Modern Mechanical, the Trade Warriors program is a cornerstone of their success. By integrating veterans like Neely into the HVAC industry, Straka has created a robust, reliable, and highly skilled workforce that continues to set the standard for excellence.
Through mentorship, structured training, and a focus on intangible qualities, Modern Mechanical is not just filling positions—they’re building a legacy of service and professionalism.
About Trade Warriors
The Trade Warriors program benefits transitioning military veterans and Trane® and American Standard® Heating and Air Conditioning dealers nationwide. This 8-week HVAC training program equips active-duty service members, within six months of separating from service, as well as current veterans, with the skills needed to become HVAC service technicians or installers.
Since the program’s founding in 2021, 300 service members have graduated. 80% of graduates secure HVAC jobs, most of them in their preferred job placement locations that they identified before entering the program. Graduates are placed with dealers nationwide.
The HVAC training program is designed to take a soldier without HVAC experience and produce an entry-level HVAC technician with installation and HVAC system service experience. We currently have two locations – Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC, and Fort Cavazos in Killeen, TX.
What training includes:
- No cost to service members
- 300+ hours of technician training (maintenance, repair, & installation)
- 25% classroom instruction/75% hands-on technical training in the Trane Learning Lab
Successful students will graduate from the program with their EPA (608) Refrigerant and NATE “Ready to Work” certifications. They take these certification exams before graduation.
Our goal is to support both Trane and American Standard HVAC dealers and provide a pathway to rewarding jobs for military veterans.
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