Clay McCombe: Heat Pump Workforce Development

In this episode of Heat Pumped, host Shreyas Sudhakar sits down with Clay McCombe, an advocate for workforce development in the heat pump industry, based in Colorado. Clay shares his unconventional entry into the heat pump world—starting with zero knowledge but a deep commitment to social justice and creating career opportunities for underserved communities.

Clay's work focuses on scaling the heat pump workforce by bridging labor gaps and making careers in the trades more accessible and inclusive. He emphasizes the need to recruit workers with grit and hunger, particularly from overlooked populations like formerly incarcerated individuals, non-English speakers, and youth. His programs aim to provide them with meaningful, well-paying, and climate-forward job opportunities.

The episode explores:

• Clay’s journey from nonprofit and local government work into climate-focused workforce development.

• The untapped potential of training people reentering society from prison or those traditionally left out of skilled trades.

• The need to shift cultural perceptions around the trades, especially among parents and educators.

• Innovative workforce programs like the GAPS (Growth Access Programs) initiative targeting equity and inclusion.

• The upcoming Contractor Navigation Hub and Small Business Scaling Program in Colorado, designed to remove administrative burdens and empower new heat pump entrepreneurs.

• Why mentorship, community engagement, and job shadowing are key to both learning and retention in the trades.

• How local governments and policymakers can take practical steps to invest in green workforce development and decarbonization.

Shreyas and Clay also discuss the importance of humility, curiosity, and the spirit of entrepreneurship—highlighting how today's technicians can become tomorrow's business owners and mentors. They close with a shared optimism that the "heat pump gold rush" has room for everyone who’s ready to learn and grow.

💡 Takeaway: If you're curious about careers in HVAC, clean energy, or workforce development, now’s the time to get involved. Whether you're a job seeker, contractor, policymaker, or just heat pump-curious, there’s a role for you in building a cleaner, more inclusive energy future.

🔗 Follow the show: Subscribe to Heat Pumped on your favorite podcast app and check out heatpumped.org for more resources and the newsletter.

📣 Interested in workforce development or heat pumps? Clay encourages you to reach out—he’s always happy to connect.