Aerius Ventilation: Pioneering the Future of the Industry Through AI and Skills Development

The technological evolution within the ventilation industry is remarkable, as companies like Aerius Ventilation in Central Sweden exemplify how digitization and artificial intelligence (AI) are not only transforming work methodologies but also creating fresh opportunities. In a decade, Aerius has progressed from a startup to a thriving business with approximately thirty employees. According to Project Manager Tony Hanna, embracing digitization and fostering skills development have become essential to navigate the challenges that the industry faces today. "We are a modern company that operates digitally, but another critical aspect is that we never outsource to subcontractors. Our clients engage with us throughout the entire process," Hanna explains, highlighting the company’s commitment to quality and customer engagement. The excitement surrounding technological advancements is palpable, especially as the company has recently adopted AI-driven systems to optimize administrative functions. Through the implementation of these artificial intelligence tools, Aerius can now generate quotes and automatically schedule work orders—dramatically streamlining internal processes and allowing the team to concentrate on practical tasks. Despite the progress, the industry grapples with a significant shortage of skilled labor. To address this, Aerius Ventilation has committed to recruiting young talent, reaching out directly to vocational high schools for promising candidates. New employees undergo a comprehensive introductory training program that includes theoretical learning followed by hands-on experience with seasoned professionals. This approach ensures that quality is upheld from the very beginning of an employee's journey with the company. One of the pressing challenges, as highlighted by the industry organization Swedish Ventilation, is the generational shift occurring within the workforce. Over 40 percent of the ventilation industry's workforce is over the age of 55, signaling an impending wave of retirements. Concurrently, companies report significant difficulty in finding skilled workers, particularly in sectors linked to digitization and energy efficiency. To counteract these challenges, Swedish Ventilation strongly emphasizes the importance of investment in education, recruitment of younger individuals, and continuous skills development. "By employing both junior and senior staff members, we have created a dynamic knowledge base where employees can learn from one another,” Hanna notes, indicating a healthy exchange of expertise between various experience levels. The story of Aerius Ventilation is not an isolated case. The impact of digitization and AI extends across several technical professions wherein companies strive to merge modern technology with educational investments and improved working conditions to maintain competitiveness. As industries grapple with evolving technologies, the commitment to nurture both new talent and experienced workers becomes increasingly important for sustainable growth and innovation. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2