California Gazette

Training Is the New Hiring: How Fuse Service Builds Teams

Training Is the New Hiring: How Fuse Service Builds Teams
Photo Courtesy: Fuse Service

HVAC and other home services often face challenges related to a shortage of qualified personnel. Working in this field requires combining physical endurance, technical expertise, and the ability to make quick decisions. There are limited specialists available in the workforce. Fuse Service addresses this issue in its own way: the company does not focus on finding the ideal employees but rather trains its own talent from the ground up.

The company started an in-house school to give individuals who may not be sure if this career is right for them the opportunity to try it out. Today, the Fuse School in-house program has developed into a full-fledged entry point into the profession. An individual can come in without experience, try their hand at various tasks, work alongside a mentor, and gain an understanding of the tasks in real-world conditions before making a decision on whether to continue. This helps reduce both the barrier to entry and staff turnover. And naturally, those who stay are likely to be genuinely motivated.

Growth Comes From Within

This approach did not emerge randomly. It reflects the values of Stan Pakarin and Adam Khusniyarov, the founders of Fuse Service. From the very beginning, they envisioned the company not simply as a business but as a place they themselves would want to be part of. Rather than waiting for fully qualified candidates, they believed in helping people develop into professionals.

Many Fuse Service employees started their careers at this school. They gradually acquired basic skills and later moved on to independent work. This system not only addresses staffing needs but also fosters a culture of mutual support and knowledge transfer. Business owners know firsthand that such a system is difficult to replicate from external sources.

The company strives to retain employees over the long term—not only by offering stable salaries but also by providing clear prospects for growth. There is an internal growth structure in place, allowing someone who began just six months ago with no experience to now manage larger orders or even train newcomers. Management considers this to be a key indicator that the system is functioning well.

Training Is the New Hiring: How Fuse Service Builds Teams
Photo Courtesy: Fuse Service / Fuse School

Not Just an HR Brand but a Practical Model

Employee training and development is not about creating a brand image but about providing a practical tool for long-term success. As the company expands and opens new divisions and branches, the team is primarily built from within, from those who have already completed training.

Trusting in your own people provides predictability and quality, something that is difficult to achieve by filling vacancies with CVs from external sources.

Success Measured in Real Terms

The HVAC market in San Jose is expanding, with hundreds of job openings, and the average starting salary reaches $49,000 per year. This city faces unbearable heat every summer, and the demand for HVAC services is unlikely to drop, especially considering the geographical characteristics of the area. The growth in HVAC jobs in the Bay Area exceeds 13%, making HVAC a promising profession.

Adam and Stan recognized an excellent opportunity for growth here. They understood how to transform time and ideas into a valuable resource—people. Unlike traditional courses, the learning process at Fuse School is primarily practical and based on real work experience. Every year, Fuse School holds between 15 to 20 courses. These courses cover the basics of safety, working with tools, refrigerant systems, air duct installation, electrical work, and other areas of importance. More advanced programs help students master the diagnosis and repair of air conditioners and heat pumps.

Training Is the New Hiring: How Fuse Service Builds Teams
Photo Courtesy: Fuse Service

Life Beyond the Classroom

After completing the course, graduates receive a Fuse School certificate and can begin choosing careers. When hired by Fuse Service, the company covers the costs for necessary licenses, including EPA certification for working with refrigerants and OSHA certification for safety. These certifications are not only legally required but also serve as an essential step in professional growth.

This is how Fuse Service builds its stable and qualified talent pool. It is not just about meeting the growing needs of the HVAC market in San Jose and beyond but also about doing business in line with its core philosophy of valuing human resources.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify all details and consult with relevant professionals before making any decisions. 

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