Professionalization in Focus: Brazil’s HVAC Sector Faces Talent Shortage Amid Expansion
Formal employment in the segment grew 14.1% between 2022 and 2025; the first Febrava RIO expands opportunities for professional development in response to new market demands.
The growth of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) market is accompanied by a challenge for companies in the sector: finding professionals prepared to meet the increased demand and the technological evolution of equipment.
In 2025, the segment generated approximately R$50 billion in the country, and the Brazilian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Heating (ABRAVA) expects to reach between R$55 billion and R$56 billion in 2026.
In the national job market, formal employment grew 14.1% between 2022 and 2025, from 106,800 to 121,800 workers, according to a survey by the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan), based on RAIS from the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
This scenario places qualification among the demands of a growing sector that is incorporating new technologies. At the first edition of Febrava RIO, from October 6 to 8, at Riocentro, professional development will be highlighted through contact with companies and specialists, the presentation of technologies, and a content program that includes Febrava CONVERGE.
In Rio de Janeiro, job growth in the sector was even more significant. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of formal workers grew 43.6%, increasing from approximately 8,000 to 11,500, according to Firjan.
Tatiana Rassini, general manager of the trade show, stated:
Febrava RIO was structured so that professionals have access not only to the technologies and solutions presented by companies but also to content and knowledge exchange.
Febrava CONVERGE reinforces this proposal by bringing together specialists and professionals from different areas to share experiences and address issues that are part of the sector’s daily routine.
She added:
In a market that is growing and requires constant updating, this combination expands development opportunities for those already working or seeking to prepare for a career in HVAC-R.
Shortage of Professionals Accompanies Expansion
Labor availability stands out as one of the challenges for the sector’s growth, particularly in technical roles such as mechanics, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, and designers.
Rodrigo Men, president of the National Department of Installation and Maintenance (DNIM) of ABRAVA, stated:
We are talking about a market that is growing at an accelerated pace and, at the same time, is struggling to replace and expand its workforce. In some roles, finding professionals with specific training and practical experience is already a concrete difficulty.
Another challenge is to increase the entry of new workers. According to Men, some students seeking educational institutions are already working in the field and looking to improve their skills.
He highlighted:
This movement helps to update the existing workforce but does not necessarily increase the entry of new professionals.
Technology Increases Training Requirements
The evolution of equipment adds another demand to training. Sensors, control boards, automation, and air renewal systems are increasingly present in air conditioning and refrigeration solutions.
Jonatha Silva Henriques, Education Technician at Firjan SENAI, specializing in the Refrigeration/Air Conditioning segment, stated:
Today, air conditioning and refrigeration are present in more and more applications, which increases hiring demand. At the same time, machines are becoming more technological, with sensors, control boards, automation, and air renewal systems. This requires an increasingly prepared and updated workforce to keep up with the evolution of equipment and applications.
Febrava RIO therefore represents a crucial opportunity to mitigate this gap, promoting the essential training and networking for the sustainable development of the HVAC-R sector in Brazil.
Schedule Your Visit:
- Febrava RIO
- Date: October 6 to 8
- Location:Riocentro
- Registration:https://www.febravario.com.br/pt-br/credenciamento.html
- Event held simultaneously with Feicon RIO.
About Febrava RIO
Febrava RIO takes place from October 6 to 8 at Riocentro, bringing together companies and professionals from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) sectors. The program covers topics such as energy efficiency, technology, sustainability, and the transformations impacting the industry.
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