PHCC Academy

AI may get all the headlines — but the real talent war is happening on construction sites. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are in unprecedented demand to build and maintain the booming data centers powering AI. ��

In WIRED latest feature, experts break down why there simply aren’t enough skilled tradespeople to keep up with this surge. PHCC’s Dan Quinonez weighs in on workforce challenges and long-term solutions, and Chuck White explains how high demand and incentives are reshaping opportunities for plumbers and HVAC pros.

� Read the full article online and learn why the skilled trades are central to building the AI future:
https://www.wired.com/story/why-there-arent-enough-electricians-and-plumbers-to-build-ai-data-centers/

Educational Foundation Academy National Association

🚨Podcast Alert🚨
What if there were funds available to reduce the risk of hiring apprentices, cover training costs and help contractors build their workforce? The PHCC Educational Foundation's Scholarship program has been delivering those funds for 35+ years!

Our own John Zink had a great conversation with Dennis Hamon for the Trade Traction podcast, all about scholarships. Watch to learn how how contractors and their employees can tap into funds earmarked specifically for helping cover their costs of training. Our 2026 scholarship application season just opened, with an expected 70+ awards worth around $180,000 up for grabs this year!

Watch on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ0ApnMSUU
Or listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://dennistheapprentice.com/podcast 🎧

Educational Foundation Academy National Association

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🎙️ New Episode Alert!

We're excited to share that Tony Bertolino is featured on the award-winning Unboxing Career Podcast in "What a Career as a Plumber is Really Like"!

Tony offers an inside look at his journey into plumbing, the importance of quality training, and why the PHCC Educational Foundation is the superior path for anyone considering a career in the trades (check out his insights starting at 11:37!). He even shares the story of representing PHCC at The White House! 🏛️

This is a fantastic opportunity to show the next generation what a rewarding career in plumbing looks like—and why organizations like PHCC matter.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

👉 https://www.unboxingcareerspodcast.com/episodes/plumber

Share this with anyone exploring career options in the trades!

Unlock your potential with our newest professional development courses!

🗨️ServiceSkills – Proven customer service and soft skills techniques for improving customer interaction, workplace communication, and professional relationships.

🤝Seal the Deal – Learn to effectively address concerns, articulate value, and ensure customers understand the necessity of the work.

Contact your PHCC State Chapter for enrollment, or visit phccacademy.org/professional for more information.

Elevate your Expertise with PHCC Academy®

Introducing the second of the newest course offerings on PHCC Academy®:

Seal the Deal - professional sales training

Seal the Deal teaches you to shift from self-centered selling to creating real customer value and effectively addressing concerns. Learn to articulate value and ensure customers understand the necessity of the work.

✅ Handle price objections with confidence
✅ Present technical solutions in customer-friendly terms
✅ Build long-term relationships that drive business growth

Contact your PHCC State Chapter to enroll!

Learn more at PHCCAcademy.org/professional

Introducing the first of two new course offerings: ServiceSkills!

ServiceSkills - professional communication training

Develop the soft skills that complement your technical expertise! ServiceSkills delivers proven customer service and communication techniques for improving customer interactions, workplace communication, and professional relationships. Courses are available for everyone and customized for Admin/Dispatch/Office Staff, Technicians/Apprentices, and even Leadership/HR!

✅ Address communication challenges with tools you can apply today
✅ Build high-performing teams and increase customer satisfaction

Contact your PHCC State Chapter to enroll!

Learn more at PHCCAcademy.org/professional

👇 Exciting things are happening!!

Supporting Excellence in the Trade

The PHCC Educational Foundation’s National HVACR Competition is approaching, and we are grateful for the support of Midwestern Mechanical, Inc., Wolff's Plumbing & Heating, and South Dakota Association of PHCC, whose dedicated efforts have been instrumental in organizing, planning, and perfecting this event. Rheem's generous donation of nine units represents a significant contribution toward the successful launch of this new and improved competition.

Join us in thanking these industry partners and professionals; without their commitment this event would not be possible.

The competition will take place at the South Dakota Association of PHCC Annual State Convention at The Lodge in Deadwood, SD, February 25-27, 2026, providing an exceptional venue for showcasing the skills and talents of the top HVACR apprentices.

https://sdphcc.org/event/annual-state-convention/

📸 The team in action unloading the Rheem units

🎉 Congratulations to our 3rd place winner!

🥉 Congratulations to Daniel (Danny) Pritchett on placing 3rd at the PHCC Educational Foundation National Plumbing Apprentice Contest!

Your impressive showing highlights the caliber of emerging talent in our industry. Apprentices like you are vital to advancing our trade - bringing dedication, expertise, and a commitment to excellence that strengthens plumbing across the nation.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Representing: Reichelt Plumbing
Endorsed by: Indiana PHCC
Sponsored by:

🎉 Congratulations to our 2nd place winner!

🥈 Congratulations to Cody Green on taking 2nd Place at the PHCC Educational Foundation National Plumbing Apprentice Contest!

Your outstanding performance showcases the talent and dedication that make apprentices essential to our industry's success. You've demonstrated the skill, knowledge, and professionalism that will shape the future of plumbing for years to come.

We are so proud of your achievement!

Representing: Midwestern Mechanical Inc.
Endorsed by: PHCC South Dakota
Sponsored by: Moen / Moen Pros

🎉 Congratulations to our 1st Place winner!

🏆 Congratulations to Josh Vogt on winning 1st Place at the PHCC Educational Foundation National Plumbing Apprentice Contest!

Your dedication, skill, and hard work represent the very best of our industry. Apprentices like you are the foundation of plumbing's future - bringing fresh expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence that keeps our trade strong and our communities safe.

We're incredibly proud of your achievement and excited to see where your career takes you.

Representing: Bombard Mechanical
Endorsed by: Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Technicians Local 525
Sponsored by: A. O. Smith

...and that's a wrap for this year's National Plumbing Apprentice Contest! 🎉

Thank you to all the volunteers who make this event possible.

🏆 Stay tuned to find out the contest winners! 🏆

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phccacademy.org/courses