The Skill Gap in Facility Management

In episode 18 of the Multifamily X podcast, "Masters of Maintenance," host Adrian Danila interviews Jim Zirbel, Chairman of the FM Pipeline Team, about addressing the facility management skills gap. Jim discusses his shift from leading tech firms to focusing on the FM Pipeline Team, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring future facility managers through programs like Facilithon, a hands-on competition for high school students.

He emphasizes the need for industry support to expand the program and bring in new talent, highlighting the role of associations in solving the skills gap. Jim also mentions the Wellhead Program, offering internships and job shadowing to students. He calls for collective efforts to nurture the next generation of facility managers, stressing the broader implications for energy efficiency and global warming. The episode showcases innovative approaches to bridging the facility management skills gap.