How HVAC Leaders Can Replace Ride-Alongs with Real Pressure-Based Learning - Joshua Canfield Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Joshua Canfield, owner of Blue Box HVACR. Together, they explore how training for new HVAC technicians has changed over the years. Josh shares his own journey from being thrown into the trade with no experience to running jobs alone within weeks. They talk about the need for a balanced training approach that combines hands-on work, guidance, and time under pressure. Josh also highlights how small wins and emotional intelligence can build confidence in young techs. Their conversation gives practical ideas for teaching the next generation in today's industry.

In this episode, Joshua Canfield talks about the challenges of training new HVAC technicians in today's industry. He explains how systems have become more complex with added electronics, while many techs lack hands-on experience and confidence. Josh shares stories from his own start in the trade, where he learned by doing jobs on his own with little help. He and Gary discuss a better way to train techs by mixing pressure-filled situations with support and guidance. Josh also stresses the need to build emotional strength and give new techs chances to succeed so they can grow into confident professionals.

Expect to Learn:

• Why hands-on experience is key to building real technician skills.

• How throwing techs into the field too soon can hurt their growth.

• A hybrid training method that balances pressure with support.

• Why emotional intelligence and small wins build confidence in new techs.

• How strong mentorship helps techs learn faster and stay in the trade.

 

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Joshua Canfield in Part 1

[02:10] - The Changing Landscape: Increased Complexity & Lost Confidence

[05:09] - The Core Problem: Lack of Applied Knowledge & Tool Proficiency

[06:54] - The "Thrown in the Truck" Method: Pros, Cons, and a Better Hybrid Approach

[10:19] - Creating "Aha" Moments: The Power of Pressure and Satisfaction

[14:30] - The Triumph of Perseverance: A Story of a First Solo Fix

[18:47] - The Key to Success: Persistence Over Pure Intelligence

[20:55] - The Modern Apprentice: Navigating a Different Upbringing

[22:18] - A New Vision for Training: Blending Technical, Applied, and Emotional Skills

[23:54] - Creating "Small Wins" and a Customer-Focused Mindset

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

 

Follow the Guest Joshua Canfield on: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-canfield-32152a163/

Blue Box HVACR: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-box-hvacr/ 

Website:

Blue Box HVACR: https://blueboxhvacr.com/ 

 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/