October 1, 2025 PHCC Educational Foundation: Championing Skilled Trades

Motivating the next generation of plumbing and HVACR professionals through educational resources and competitions.

By: Dan Quinonez – Chief Operating Officer of the PHCC National Association and the Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation.

The engineering and construction sectors are at the forefront of developing residential, commercial, and public infrastructure across the United States. However, the plumbing and HVACR (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industries, essential components of any modern construction, are at a turning point. They face significant challenges, including a less favorable public perception compared to the broader building construction industry, a widening skills gap, and a severe labor shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a need for approximately 114,500 new workers in the plumbing-heating-cooling (p-h-c) sector by 2028. But how did this disparity occur?

For the longest time, high school students across the U.S. were led to believe that going to college was the only viable option for a successful career. Students were not necessarily encouraged to pursue a career in the trades, creating an even bigger gap in job openings versus employment, furthering the labor shortage. Additionally, even those interested in the trades had to overcome skills gap challenges, especially with new, modern technology becoming more prevalent. However, President Trump’s recent Executive Order emphasizes the importance of building the skilled trades, and investing in training local workers to execute the job properly and confidently. As the industry grows, and the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, educational resources are needed to prepare the next generation of p-h-c professionals.

Educational resources at your fingertips

The PHCC Educational Foundation provides online and in-person educational programming and training aimed at HVACR and plumbing professionals at any stage of their career. Through its PHCC Academy® online platform, the Foundation is helping to serve the growing needs of the plumbing and HVACR community and address some of the key challenges this industry is facing. Online education is not only flexible and easy to coordinate on top of busy schedules, but it also provides aspiring tradespeople a glimpse into the plumbing and HVACR universe to confirm whether it’s the right path for them.

Moreover, to provide a holistic overview and more focused training, programs envelop everything from introductory workforce readiness courses to pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and mandatory certifications. For instance, for HVACR, it’s essential to receive training in the safety foundations of the field, everything from an overview of tools, materials, and methods that are used to an education in the scientific and mathematical principles applied in everyday work. HVACR systems can include smart thermostats, refrigerants, and other components which are important to learn about before heading for on-the-job training or becoming an apprentice. Once those steps are completed, it is critical for technicians to have access to courses that can help prepare them for examinations and learn the skills they need to become certified for field work as this industry requires strict safety compliance.

With regulators moving towards more sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions, EPA Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act requires that all persons who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of appliances that contain ozone depleting refrigerants be certified in proper handling techniques. Industry professionals handling low GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant (A2L) are required to be certified in proper disposal of these chemicals. While these safety examinations can seem daunting, the Foundation provides comprehensive resources to ensure technicians are prepared for them.

Boosting career growth 

The PHCC Educational Foundation provides resources for every stage of the journey, with the same considerations applicable for the plumbing industry, where apprentices learn about plumbing systems and products, as well as the science behind them. However, technical training is not the only type of education the Foundation provides. With a need to empower industry professionals to confidently conduct business and start their own companies, the Foundation also offers a variety of soft skills, business management and sales training courses with no pre-requisites needed.

A series of business-focused learning modules, geared towards p-h-c industry professionals at any level, include the Business Leadership Essentials course that will help individuals work on their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to build a strong leadership foundation and grow their bottom line. One of the more advanced courses, Finance Management focuses on project administration, financial statements, tax rights and responsibilities. Both aim to empower business leadership growth, communication, and financial management skills.

Changing perception of the trades

The p-h-c industry plays a vital role in protecting public health and safety, as well as the environment. Plumbers and technicians are not only able to have a competitive salary right out of the gate, but they also have potential for salary advancement and career growth opportunities. With the growing need to build the skilled trades, ambitious p-h-c professionals have the opportunity to start their own businesses, creating an even bigger sense of pride while maintaining job security. As these industries are founded on principles of math, science, technology and engineering, technicians are always doing cutting-edge work and familiarizing themselves with the most advanced technology. As the perception slowly shifts to show appreciation for the trades, plumbers and HVACR technicians who are looking to start out in the industry can make their mark now.

SkillsUSA National Championships

One way to entice a new generation to enter the p-h-c workforce is through competition. The PHCC Educational Foundation has supported SkillsUSA National Championships for 30 years, in an effort to drive interest and shine a positive light on the plumbing industry. The Foundation provides competition materials, tools and equipment, along with guidance and mentorship to competitors. The Foundation’s goal of empowering the next generation of skilled trades workers aligns with SkillsUSA’s mission to identify and attract talent from across the country.

In this year’s competition, 50 of the nation’s top plumbing students from local high schools, vocational, technical and post-secondary schools were tasked with roughing-in a bathroom over the course of two days. Following a project plan, their plumbing skills were put to the test using cast iron, PVC and copper pipes. A competition such as this one promotes the trades in an engaging way, enabling them to show off their talents among their peers. Apart from accolades, some competitors left the competition floor with new plumbing tools, scholarships, and even job opportunities, both engaging and motivating the workforce of the future.

Taking the plunge and entering the trades

The resources offered by the PHCC Educational Foundation are not just aimed at newcomers, but also industry veterans looking to refresh their knowledge, update their state credentials and obtain certifications in new technologies and materials. They are designed to educate, equip, and empower p-h-c industry professionals to start out in the trades or take their existing careers to the next level. Apart from continuously updating and expanding their courses to meet modern-day needs, the Foundation also participates in and hosts a number of educational conferences and plumbing and HVACR competitions with their local chapters across the country so members can network and unlock career opportunities.

To learn more about the PHCC Educational Foundation, visit: phccfoundation.org/foundation/.

About the Author:
Dan Quinonez serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) while continuing his role as Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation. Since joining in 2023, he has successfully launched new training materials, boosted donation campaigns, expanded educational programs, and created scholarship opportunities for veterans and Latino applicants.

Drawing on his strategic mindset and leadership experience, Quinonez oversees key revenue-generating initiatives across the organization. His professional background includes executive director positions at both the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League while at the Kellen Company. Quinonez previously advocated for the homebuilding industry at the National Association of Home Builders and served 12 years in the United States Army Reserves.

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