Apprenticeship has long been the heartbeat of the plumbing and HVAC trades. But for today’s apprentices, training looks different than it did for their mentors and parents. With new online programs, flexible learning schedules, and updated curriculum that reflects the latest industry standards, apprentices are able to gain both the technical “booksmarts” and the on-the-job confidence needed to thrive.

For Alex Wallner, that balance of classroom and career is exactly what drew him to the PHCC Academy. A third-generation plumber working in his family’s business, Wallner Plumbing in Redding, California, Wallner grew up in the trade — starting as a shop boy at 14 before moving into full-time work after high school. But even with years of hands-on experience, he saw the value in structured education.

“Sure, you can learn it all on the job and from other tradesmen,” Wallner says, “but the PHCC Academy helps break it all down and explains to you why we do something a certain way, why specific fittings are designed to do what they do, and why some materials aren’t used anymore. Those expectations have been met and exceeded.”

That deeper understanding has changed the way he looks at problems in the field. “I’ve been able to further learn why certain things do what they do, why materials act the way they do under certain circumstances,” he explains. “The Academy has helped give me a more informative way to look at things — not just a ‘fix the issue.’”

Like many apprentices, Wallner appreciates the flexibility of online courses that allow him to set his own pace while continuing to work full-time. “If I had a long day at work, I wouldn’t get penalized for not doing schoolwork for a day,” he says. “We’re given deadlines, but we have plenty of time to complete the modules. You’d almost have to put more effort into not completing anything.” The ability to directly apply classroom knowledge on the job has been especially valuable: “I can implement what I learned last night, last week, even last month to a job I’m currently working on or will be doing.”

Support from mentors and coworkers has also been critical. “Anytime you have an issue, concern, need a second opinion, or are unsure of a part, we’re motivated to call one of the other guys and ask questions,” he says. That encouragement often comes directly from his father, Andy Wallner, who co-owns the company and has been Alex’s biggest influence. “The stuff my dad has taught me, career-wise, is something no curriculum can teach. He, along with his brother Patrick, continued the company from their father, and they’ve passed that knowledge, experience, and wisdom down to me and my sister Mollie.”

While technical skills matter, Wallner says the apprenticeship has strengthened something equally important: communication. “Making sure that anyone involved with a job is fully informed is a very important aspect of this kind of work,” he explains. “I’ve always been a pretty shy person, but throughout growing up and working, my communication has gotten better day by day. Business doesn’t slow down or stop because you’re anxious or nervous. You have to do what you need to do to keep the ball rolling.”

Balancing school and work isn’t always easy — sitting at a computer after a long day in the field can be tough — but Wallner says it’s worth it. The training has boosted his confidence and prepared him to take on more responsibility. And for him, the proudest moments are the simplest: working each day alongside his family. “I love being able to see my mom and my dad and my sister every time I walk into the office,” he said. “I get so many opportunities to work alongside my dad in the field, gain insight on the office from my mom and uncle, and even teach my sister some of the office work. My career path feels like it’s only on an uphill track from here.”

Anthony Harris, a technician with Conover’s Shore Air in New Jersey, shares that same sense of growth and opportunity. For him, the choice to enroll in PHCC Academy’s HVAC courses came down to one thing: flexibility. “PHCC was a good choice because of the flexibility it offered me,” he said. “Starting my courses, I was hoping for an online experience that would allow me to study and test when I had time. What I didn’t expect was how easy it was to communicate with Nicole Urizzo, the executive director of NJ PHCC. She was so responsive in answering my questions.”

That support, combined with a wide-ranging curriculum, gave him a strong foundation. “The HVAC field is broad, and the material has to cover many aspects of the trade, which I think is wonderful,” Harris says. “The most valuable part of the training was anything involving troubleshooting and diagnostics.” Those skills, in particular, helped boost his confidence in real-world situations. “Others certainly notice and appreciate when you are putting in the time and effort to complete your classes,” he adds.

Mentorship also played a role in Harris’ success. He credits Tom Buono of Buono Plumbing as having the biggest impact on his career, guiding him through challenges and encouraging him to keep learning. “I have been very lucky to have great people in my career who are extremely helpful,” he says.

Like Wallner, Harris admits balancing coursework with family and work wasn’t always easy. “The most challenging part of the apprenticeship was balancing work and spending time with my family while studying and taking exams,” he explains. But completing the program made the effort worthwhile. “My proudest moment as an apprentice was when I finished my courses,” he says. “The program boosted my confidence on the job site, and with my NJ Master HVAC/R license, I now plan to start installing and servicing HVAC equipment for people.”

Together, stories like Wallner’s and Harris’s highlight what the new generation of apprentices value most — flexibility, support, and training that ties directly to real-world success. Their experiences also underscore why updated education programs matter: they’re not only building technical skills, but also shaping confident, licensed professionals ready to carry the trade forward.

That’s exactly the goal of the PHCC Educational Foundation, which this year rolled out several new training tracks and courses designed to meet apprentices where they are and prepare them for where the industry is going.

PHCC Foundation expands training to meet contractors’ evolving needs

When contractors talk about their biggest challenges, one issue rises to the top again and again: training. For the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation, that message is clear — and it’s shaping an ambitious expansion of programs designed to meet members where they are.

“We’ve always been known for apprenticeship training, but our members are telling us they need more than that,” says Dan Quinonez, Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation. “They need leadership development, financial management skills, HR knowledge, and training for technologies that didn’t even exist a few years ago. That’s the space we’re moving into.”

Beyond apprenticeship

While apprenticeships remain at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, Quinonez says the growth of contracting businesses requires new kinds of education. “Contractors today aren’t just running a truck and a toolbox — they’re running companies,” he explains. “That means they need people who understand balance sheets, customer relations, HR compliance, and leadership.”

The Foundation has launched a Business Essentials Leadership course, targeted at managers and rising leaders who need the business acumen to run teams and operations effectively.

On the technical side, the Foundation continues to build out HVAC and gas training, as well as “fast-track” apprenticeship options. Soft skills such as communication and customer service are also receiving more attention. “The reality is, our technicians represent our companies every time they walk into a home or business,” Quinonez notes. “Technical skills are vital, but so are the people skills that keep customers coming back.”

Training on demand & peer-to-peer learning

One of the most exciting launches this fall will be PHCC On Demand, a streaming-style platform that delivers training in a flexible, accessible format.

“Think of it like Netflix for contractors,” Quinonez says. “Members can log in, choose a topic, and watch training on their own time. It’s just as valuable for an individual at home as it is for a team watching together in a shop meeting.”

That flexibility responds to the changing pace of business. Contractors can’t always send employees away for a week-long class, but they still need training that keeps them competitive. “On Demand allows us to meet that need,” he says.

Peer-to-Peer Growth

Looking ahead, the Foundation is also preparing to pilot peer groups for contractors. Modeled after the Quality Service Contractors (QSC) program, these groups will provide a structured environment for members to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and hold one another accountable.

“The power of peer groups is incredible,” Quinonez explains. “Contractors can learn more from each other in a single meeting than from any textbook. We want to give them a framework to do that in a consistent, productive way.”

Driven by contractors

Quinonez emphasizes that the Foundation’s approach is contractor-led. Advisory boards of contractors review content and help shape courses to ensure they reflect real-world needs. “We don’t just sit in a room and guess what the industry wants,” he says. “Contractors tell us directly what they need, and we build around that.”

That input has guided courses in areas like AI applications in contracting businesses, which is becoming a hot topic. From automating scheduling to streamlining customer communications, technology is creating both challenges and opportunities for contractors. “We want to make sure our members are prepared, not just for today, but for the future,” Quinonez says.

The delivery of training has changed as much as the content itself. Apprentices now log hours through a mobile app rather than filling out paper forms. The Foundation is also preparing a new Academy app that allows learning on any device — phones, tablets, laptops, even game consoles.

“Accessibility is everything,” Quinonez says. “We don’t want training to be limited by geography, time, or technology. If you’ve got a device, you’ve got access.”

For Quinonez, the growth of the Foundation’s programs isn’t just a professional goal — it’s a personal passion. “The most rewarding part of my job is watching the progression,” he reflects. “Seeing someone start as an apprentice, move up to journeyman, become a business leader, and then maybe even start their own company — that’s the impact of education. That’s what keeps me excited.”

Contractors are responding enthusiastically, often completing one course and immediately asking “what’s next?” Quinonez says that demand confirms the Foundation is on the right track. “Education is never one-and-done,” he says. “It’s a lifelong process, and we’re here to support our members every step of the way.”

See all available PHCC Academy courses here.