Greenville, S.C., May 14, 2024 - Grace Hill, the innovator of talent and performance management solutions for commercial and multifamily real estate, today announced a partnership with SkillCat, a leading provider of mobile maintenance training and certifications, with over 300,000 learners from partners inside and outside the multifamily industry including Rangewater, Progress Residential, and Disney. 

The partnership helps multifamily organizations provide maintenance teams with essential, ongoing technical training that improves resident satisfaction and reduces repair costs by over 30%. It also aims to help operators create a comprehensive program that attracts and retains maintenance technicians. 

“Developing and retaining maintenance team members is an ongoing challenge in our industry as turnover for technicians is nearly 40%, the highest of any onsite position,” said Kendall Pretzer, CEO of Grace Hill. "Companies need to invest in solutions that help maintenance professionals grow their skills and feel valued in order to reduce turnover. This new partnership with SkillCat reinforces Grace Hill’s commitment to making technology investments that help our clients develop their team and improve overall property performance.” 

Operators can utilize the SkillCat app to offer more than 1000 hours of micro learning, 3D simulations, troubleshooting tools, on-the-job assessments and EPA certifications, essential resources that help technicians reach their full potential. 

Providing ongoing development is an essential way to retain personnel. In fact, 76% of employees say they are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training. Limited training resources designed for maintenance professionals make it difficult for techs to grow their careers, and many are forced to “learn as they go,” occasionally seeking help from a supervisor or an unverified YouTube video. This lack of experience, combined with limited support, impacts a technician’s ability to be successful and leads to increased turnover. 

“The shortage of maintenance technicians negatively impacts all aspects of multifamily operations,” said SkillCat Founder and CEO Ruchir Shah. “When technicians are underskilled or short-staffed, service requests aren’t completed efficiently, repair costs are higher, and residents get frustrated. SkillCat’s mobile training courses mimic hands-on experience, so techs can learn a trade, get certified and build a successful career.”  

Property management companies recognize this issue and are prioritizing ways to manage, train and support their maintenance workforce. Specialists roles, in addition to general managers, have become a way to centralize maintenance. SkillCat’s training program, developed and approved by experienced tradespeople, can support new staffing models and have proven to increase efficiencies in operations.

About Grace Hill
Grace Hill provides technology-enabled performance solutions that help owners and operators of real estate properties increase property performance, reduce operating risk, and grow top talent. Its industry-leading solutions covering policy, training, assessment, survey, and data-driven insights are bolstered by years of real estate experience, in-depth service-level expertise, and outstanding customer support. Today, more than 500,000 real estate professionals from more than 2,300 companies rely on talent performance solutions from Grace Hill. Visit us at gracehill.com or on LinkedIn.

About SkillCat
SkillCat has empowered more than 300,000 maintenance technicians through online, simulation-based training and certification in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Appliance Repair. Accredited by NATE, the EPA, and IACET, SkillCat’s training app is the highest rated in the trades world (4.8/5 stars on the App and Play Stores with 2500+ ratings). If you share our passion for growing and supporting America’s skilled trade workforce, we would love to hear from you anytime at [email protected]. 

Media Contact:   
LinnellTaylor Marketing
Darcey Leach
Account Manager
(303) 682-5005    
[email protected]