PHCC Educational Foundation

09/22/2026

We’re proud to partner with Skills USA in supporting the elite 2026 WorldSkills USA team as they represent our nation on the global stage this week!

Known as the “Olympics of skilled trades,” the WorldSkills Competition brings together top talent from 90 countries—and this year’s U.S. delegation of SkillsUSA champions represents the absolute best in American innovation and technical expertise.

From intensive training across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to competing Sept. 22–27 in Shanghai, China, we’re honored to back these incredible young professionals on their journey to gold.
Join us in supporting Team USA! ⬇️

🔗 worldskillsusa.org/donate

Educational Foundation Academy National Association USA Shanghai 2026

09/21/2026

WorldSkills - the "Olympics" of skilled trades competitions, starts tomorrow!
Team USA is on the ground in Shanghai, China now, doing last minute prep for the 2026 WorldSkills competition.

Here's another look at our USA Plumbing and Heating competitor Charles Goede, with thoughts from the partnership of organizations (including SkillsUSA, the PHCC Educational Foundation, United Association, IAPMO, Milwaukee Tool and others) who have spent the last two years helping to prepare for this moment. Watch: https://youtu.be/eNzh8rzYJME

Educational Foundation Academy National Association USA USA Shanghai 2026

We’re proud to partner with SkillsUSA in supporting the elite 2026 ...

09/14/2026

The future of the plumbing and HVAC workforce depends on more than bringing new people into the trades. They also need training to keep pace with changing technology, new regulations and rising customer expectations.

A new article at HVAC/P Products looks at the workforce challenges facing our industry—and how training, continuing education, scholarships and skills competitions can help build a stronger pipeline of professionals.

Read the full article: https://ow.ly/zhoU50ZN3eU

Educational Foundation Academy National Association

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, at 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. Among those we lost that morning was PHCC employee Norma Khan, who was traveling to our national convention when her flight was hijacked.

A tree planted in Norma’s memory at the PHCC office has continued to grow — a living tribute to a colleague and friend whose memory remains part of the PHCC family. Today, we remember Norma and all those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.

#9-11-01

09/02/2026

How far can a career in the skilled trades take you? For Charlie Goede, the answer is all the way to the world stage.

The 20-year-old plumbing apprentice has spent nearly two years preparing to represent the United States at WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai, where he’ll compete against some of the best young plumbers in the world. Along the way, he’s gained advanced training, mentorship, international competition experience and connections that will shape his career for years to come.

The Hartford Courant recently took a closer look at Charlie’s journey — and at what opportunities like WorldSkills can mean for young people building careers in the trades.

Read the article and follow Charlie’s road to Shanghai.
https://www.courant.com/2026/09/01/a-ct-20-year-olds-training-to-be-tops-in-world-in-his-skill-hes-heading-to-china-to-prove-it/

Educational Foundation Academy National Association Shanghai 2026

08/27/2026

Being a great HVAC technician and running a great HVAC business require two very different sets of skills.

On the latest HVAC Know It All Podcast, PHCC's Daniel Quinonez joins Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes to talk about what contractors need as they grow beyond the tools — from business education and peer support to developing the next generation of skilled professionals.

They also tackle a question facing contractors everywhere: Do you keep searching for experienced technicians, or hire promising people and train them? The conversation explores apprenticeship, online education, the challenges smaller contractors face in developing talent, and why building a stronger workforce will require a bigger commitment to training.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the HVAC Know It All Podcast.
https://ow.ly/wyUw50ZG4FX

Educational Foundation Academy National Association

08/18/2026

Plumbing and HVAC apprentice Charles Goede is heading to Shanghai, China, to represent Team USA at WorldSkills 2026 this September!

To ensure he is fully prepared for the international stage, IAPMO is supporting his training alongside our partners, including the PHCC Educational Foundation, the United Association, Milwaukee Tool, and SkillsUSA.

This joint effort reinforces our continued commitment to global workforce development and the promotion of the plumbing trade.

08/11/2026

Meet Charles Goede, plumbing & HVAC apprentice and Team USA competitor heading to WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai, China!

WorldSkills is the "Olympics" of skilled trades, and this September Charlie will be among 1,400+ young professionals from 70+ countries competing across 64 skill categories at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai (September 22–27).

He's been training with an incredible coalition of partners - PHCC Educational Foundation, United Association, IAPMO, SkillsUSA and Milwaukee Tool - all coming together to prepare him for the international stage. We caught up with Charlie at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta to see him in action before he heads overseas.

Go Charlie, and go Team USA! 🏆

08/10/2026

Invest in Your Future!
A brighter future in the skilled trades can begin with one open door.

Your gift to the PHCC Educational Foundation helps provide scholarships, apprentice and technician training, and professional education that give people the skills and opportunities to build rewarding careers — and strengthen the future of our industry.

Open the door to what’s next. Make a gift today: https://phccfoundation.org/invest

And right now, every gift receives matching support from InSinkErator, A.O. Smith Corporation, Bradford White, Federated Insurance, Ferguson, NIBCO INC, Rheem, and Zoeller Pump Company — making your contribution go even further.

Academy National Association

07/31/2026

Get ready to network with industry leaders at PHCC CONNECT! Be sure to check out our diverse exhibitor lineup and discover the latest products, services and innovations shaping the industry. phccweb.org/connect