Training & Development Specialist

Training & Development SpecialistHoffman Mechanical Solutions is seeking a Training & Development Specialist to own and coordinate all training and development activity across the organization. This is currently a standalone role: the Specialist will be the primary driver of technical training, apprenticeship program coordination, onboarding, sales enablement, and administrative learning initiatives across all locations, reporting directly to the HR Director. The Specialist will partner with Operations, Safety, and department leaders to build and run training programs that support growth, retention, and operational performance. This role offers a strong growth path, with the potential to be promoted into a Training & Development Manager position as the function and team expand.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn the coordination and day-to-day execution of all training initiatives across the organization, serving as the central point of contact for training-related activity.Manage the apprenticeship program end-to-end, including DOL registration, documentation, tracking, and compliance across all locations.Build, deliver, and continuously improve technical, leadership, onboarding, and professional development programs in partnership with subject matter experts.Coordinate OEM, safety, technical, sales, and administrative training initiatives, including scheduling, logistics, and follow-through.Own and administer the Learning Management System (LMS), including course setup, enrollment tracking, reporting, and troubleshooting.Maintain accurate training records, certifications, and compliance documentation, and prepare reporting for HR and leadership.Leverage AI tools and learning technologies to improve training delivery, content creation, and employee engagement.Track training completion, participation, and effectiveness metrics, and report on impact and trends to the HR Director.Manage training budget tracking and coordinate with external vendors, instructors, and OEM partners.Identify and coordinate internal subject matter experts (SMEs) to support instructor development and training delivery.Support culture-building and continuous improvement initiatives across all locations.Help lay the groundwork for scaling the training function, including identifying where future team support or a Training & Development Manager structure may be needed.Relationship & Partnership BuildingBuild strong, trusted relationships with field technicians across all locations to understand real-world skill gaps, training needs, and on-the-job challenges.Partner closely with hiring managers across locations to align training and onboarding plans with role expectations, ramp-up timelines, and team-specific needs.Establish and maintain relationships with outside technical schools, community colleges, and trade programs to support recruiting, apprenticeship placement, and curriculum alignment.Serve as a liaison with OEM partners and external training vendors to coordinate certification programs and specialized technical instruction.Act as a connector between field teams, hiring managers, and HR to ensure training priorities reflect actual operational and staffing needs.Partner with the Talent Acquisition Specialist on campus events, career fairs, and technical school engagements to strengthen the talent pipeline and support recruiting efforts.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree preferred in Business, Organizational Development, Education, HR, Engineering, or a related field.3+ years of experience within HVAC, mechanical services, construction, manufacturing, or related trades preferred.3+ years of experience in training delivery, workforce development, or apprenticeship program coordination.Working knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, and technical training delivery.Experience with apprenticeship programs, DOL standards, and technical certification processes strongly preferred.Experience using LMS platforms, reporting/analytics tools, and AI-enabled learning technologies.Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders (technicians, hiring managers) and external partners (technical schools, OEMs, vendors).Strong ownership mindset with the ability to independently manage multiple training initiatives and priorities without close oversight.Exceptional communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.Ability to travel periodically between Columbia, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh locations as needed.Why This Role MattersAs the sole owner of training and development, this role will directly shape workforce readiness, apprenticeship success, employee retention, and operational performance across Hoffman Mechanical Solutions. By building strong relationships with technicians, hiring managers, and outside technical schools, the Training & Development Specialist will strengthen the talent pipeline and lay the foundation of the company's training function, with a clear path to grow into a Training & Development Manager role as the organization and program scale.