When Roger first started out as an HVAC tech five years ago, plumbing wasn’t even on his radar. He was focused on airflow systems, refrigerant lines, and furnace repairs. Today, he’s just as comfortable fixing a broken water heater as he is tuning up an AC unit. That shift didn’t just broaden his skill set, it boosted his income by nearly 30% and turned him into one of the most in-demand techs in his region.

Roger’s story isn’t an exception anymore. Workers who can handle both HVAC and plumbing have become essential to businesses that want to stay flexible, efficient, and competitive. For techs, that flexibility leads to better job security, more consistent pay, and more opportunities. For companies, it means fewer scheduling headaches and happier customers.

But the big question remains: how do you actually make that leap from HVAC to plumbing, or vice versa?

You’re Not Starting Over, You're Building on What You Know

Here’s the good news: HVAC and plumbing may seem like different worlds, but they share a lot of common ground. Both trades demand problem-solving skills, mechanical knowledge, and attention to detail. For seasoned techs, cross-training isn’t about learning everything from scratch, but it’s about translating what you already know into a new field.

The most effective training programs know that. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, they focus on bridging the gap. Some of the best approaches include:

• Certification courses that work around a full-time schedule
• Company-sponsored apprenticeships that offer real on-the-job learning
• Online programs tailored to state-specific licensing requirements
• Hands-on mentorship, where newer techs learn directly from experienced ones

Mentorship is the most underrated approach listed. There’s something incredibly valuable about shadowing someone who’s been in the field for years. It’s where the little tricks, workarounds, and lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks get passed down.

Licensing Can Be a Maze, But It’s Manageable

The biggest hurdle most techs face when cross-training is licensing. Requirements can vary a lot by state, and even between cities. What counts in Austin might not cut it in San Antonio.

Generally, HVAC techs transitioning into plumbing will need to log apprenticeship hours before taking a journeyman exam. On the flip side, plumbers moving into HVAC often need to secure their EPA certification to handle refrigerants, as well as meet local mechanical code regulations.

Strong cross-training programs help techs navigate these challenges by offering a clear roadmap. That means:

• Knowing what licenses are required for dual roles
• Tracking the number of training hours needed
• Understanding where and when to take exams
• Accounting for costs, fees, and renewal cycles

Having this clarity upfront helps techs stay focused and prevents frustration down the line.

The Business Case for Cross-Training

The benefits of cross-training go well beyond the individual tech. For companies, it’s a strategy that pays off in several practical ways:

• More flexible scheduling, especially during seasonal spikes
• Reduced dependence on subcontractors
• Stronger internal coverage when someone calls out or leaves
• Higher employee retention, since workers see a clear path to advancement

And for techs, the benefits are just as real:

• Steadier pay, even when one side of the business slows down
• Increased career mobility, especially when relocating
• Leadership opportunities, like managing mixed-trade crews
• Long-term job security in a rapidly evolving industry

Picture a busy January morning. A customer has no heat and a burst pipe. If your team has cross-trained talent, you’re not coordinating two crews. You’re sending one trusted tech who can do both. That kind of capability makes a huge difference on the ground.

Looking Ahead: A Smarter Way to Grow

The trades aren’t standing still. New tech, shifting regulations, and changing customer expectations mean companies and workers need to stay adaptable. Cross-training isn’t just a temporary advantage, it’s how you build a forward-looking career or company.

Roger’s success didn’t come from luck. It came from the choice to learn something new, and from working with a company that supported that growth. His story is just one example of where the trades are heading.

With the right training support, a clear licensing path, and tools like TradeRunner to bridge the gap between employers and workers, cross-training doesn’t feel like a leap. It feels like the next logical step.