Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation is expanding its online offerings to better serve the growing needs of the plumbing and HVACR community, making it a central hub for proper education, training and certification in the p-h-c industry.  The Foundation is adding a suite of new courses to the PHCC Academy platform that are available to all plumbing and HVACR students, apprentices and practicing technicians, as well as business owners and their administrative staff, to obtain mandatory certifications to comply with federal regulations regarding refrigerant handling and to complement their business management and leadership skills.  Technician certification prep In partnership with ESCO Institute, the first course will introduce refrigerant safety and low GWP refrigerants The existing HVACR curriculum is being enriched by two new certification preparatory courses, equipping technicians with the proper knowledge to earn credentials to safely work in the field and be able to purchase and transport low GWP refrigerants confidently.  In partnership with ESCO Institute, the first course will introduce refrigerant safety and low GWP refrigerants (A2L), as well as cover proper installation, service, and associated codes and standards. The course aims to prepare individuals for ESCO Institute’s refrigerant safety certification exam.  The second course will address EPA Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act, mandatory for professionals who work with appliances that contain ozone depleting refrigerants. This course will prepare students to take the EPA Section 608 examination, needed for working in the field, and teach them how to properly maintain, service, repair, or dispose of such appliances.  Additional perks Apart from these HVACR-related courses, new plumbing courses (coming later in the year), and a series of business-focused learning modules are available. Geared towards p-h-c industry professionals at any level, and with no prerequisites needed, the Business Leadership Essentials course will help individuals work on their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The Foundation has partnered with the expert-led learning platform GoalMakers to offer this solution that strengthens a leadership team and directly improves bottom lines. Some of the more advanced courses will focus on project administration and Finance Management. This course will help business owners better understand financial statements, tax rights and responsibilities, and empower them with the necessary skills for managing their business finances.  Mastering HVACR & business "We’re always looking to enhance our educational programming to ensure our p-h-c workforce is properly trained and complying with the regulatory requirements impacting the industry,” said Dan Quinonez, Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation. “In order for technicians to work with systems containing refrigerants, they need HVACR certifications for safe handling. At the same time, there is also a need for professionals in the industry to build their business skills, refine their organisational leadership and confidently manage company finances to improve their profitability. Our priority is to be the premier educational resource for the industry, whether that person is on the jobsite or in the boardroom.”   Skilled workforce demand The length of the individual course varies, and so does the pricing, depending on whether an exam is required. However, all course participants receive a certificate of completion. The PHCC Academy continues to be an important resource for training HVACR and plumbing professionals amid the skilled labour shortage impacting the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the p-h-c industry will need approximately 114,500 qualified new workers by 2028.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation announced at AHR Expo it has expanded its online educational programming to enhance the skillsets of HVACR professionals and provide them with more robust training using the latest industry technologies. Professionals at any level can now enroll in the new courses through a dedicated portal being launched for the PHCC Academy®, a comprehensive online platform offering industry-pioneering training programs with specialized courses for everyone from pre-apprentices to seasoned business owners.   New smart HVAC systems The four-year training courses are open on the need for trades workers to complete at their own pace The updated curriculum consists of foundational content covering heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration basics, as well as expanded content to train technicians on how to use, install, maintain and troubleshoot new smart HVAC systems, energy-efficient technologies and indoor air-quality solutions and keep up with industry advancements.  The four-year apprenticeship courses are available on demand for trades workers to complete at their own pace, with a one-year timeframe for each of the four stages. PHCC Academy platform  Apart from HVACR-focused courses, the PHCC Academy also offers business management and sales training courses so professionals can excel at all stages of their careers.  The PHCC Academy platform addresses the industry's growing need for flexible, relevant and focused training options amid an ongoing skills labor gap. The industry continues to see a shortage of qualified plumbing and HVAC technicians in the field, due to an aging workforce, a poor perception of the trades, and rapidly evolving technological advancements. Number of HVAC technicians There are on average about 42,500 openings for HVACR professionals projected each year According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are on average about 42,500 openings for HVACR professionals projected each year.  The agency also reports that the number of HVAC technicians has declined by more than 50% in the last decade, emphasizing the need for such a resource. HVAC enrollment for the PHCC Academy    Meanwhile, HVAC enrollment for the PHCC Academy has seen a significant growth (1,984 percent) over the past 5 years – a trend the Foundation expects to continue in the future.  Whether professionals are just starting their careers or looking to expand their business knowledge, the PHCC Academy provides industry professionals with targeted educational programs to support their goals. New generations of HVACR technicians     PHCC Academy provides industry experts with targeted academic programs to keep their goals “The Academy’s goal has always been to provide innovative educational programming for plumbing and HVAC professionals, supporting their growth and success in the industry," said Dan Quinonez, Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation. “Since the industry is going through a transformative shift, our primary goal is to prepare the new generations of HVACR technicians and seasoned pros on how to work with emerging smart technologies and energy-efficient solutions so that they can easily and efficiently solve real-world problems in the field." New business management courses Quinonez added: "In addition to trade-focused resources, our new business management courses are helping company owners and their employees enhance their business acumen, build stronger leadership competency and improve their customer service skills.”   Developed by licensed industry contractors within the PHCC Association, as well as PhD experts, the Academy’s online courses address comprehensive industry trends and developments and fulfill the Department of Labor’s registration for Related Technical Instruction (RTI). Courses average between $2,000-$2,500 a year, depending on the individual state’s licensure and certification pricing.

A strong line-up of top apprentices will have their opportunity to shine at the PHCC Educational Foundation’s National Plumbing and HVACR apprentice contests. This two-day competition will take place during CONNECT 2024, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center, Birmingham, Alabama. Apprentices' skills and expertise These contests — always a popular attraction on the trade show floor — will highlight the skills and expertise of the nation’s top apprentices in the plumbing and HVACR industries and allow attendees to watch the contestants’ progress. Apprentices from across the country will come together to showcase their expertise and compete for the title of the nation’s top apprentice. This event offers apprentices not only a chance to demonstrate their skills but also an opportunity to network with fellow apprentices and industry professionals. written test and hands-on skills Plumbing apprentices must rough in a bathroom – including the drain, waste, and vent lines Plumbing apprentices must rough in a bathroom – including the drain, waste, and vent lines, a toilet, a sink, and a shower. HVACR apprentices must demonstrate their knowledge with a written test, plus their hands-on skills with brazing, pressure testing, refrigerant recovery, and diagnosing and repairing a package unit system. tradeshow floor The evening of Tuesday, October 8, will kick off with a pep rally on the tradeshow floor to energize and support the contestants. University of Alabama sportscaster Chris Stewart will emcee the event. After the contest concludes on Wednesday, October 9, participants and attendees are invited to celebrate at the awards breakfast on Thursday, October 10. This event will honor the top performers and offer a final chance to honor the hard work and dedication of the next generation of industry leaders. awareness for local apprentice programs “We are very proud to sponsor these contests each year,” says Kevin Tindall, PHCC Educational Foundation Chair. He adds, “Not only do they provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for star apprentices to demonstrate their skills on a national stage, but the contests also support the Foundation’s mission by helping to generate awareness for local apprentice programs, boosting interest in the fields of plumbing and HVAC and attracting recruits to the industry.”

Among the requirements of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 is a ban on disposable, single-use cylinder tanks used to transport refrigerants through the supply chain to an HVAC installer. A final rule posted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on October 5, 2021, will prohibit the use of disposable cylinders in the next several years.  HVAC installers use the disposable cylinders every day to transport hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants including R32 and R410A. Refrigerants transported in refillable cylinders Instead, under the ban, refrigerants must be transported in refillable cylinders, which are heavier and difficult to handle in cramped spaces or on ladders. Handling the heavier refillable cylinders will contribute to injuries and long-term strain on technicians.  Imports and placement of HFCs into new disposable cylinders must end by January 1, 2025, and an outright ban on the sale of disposable cylinders will happen on January 1, 2027, according to rules passed by the EPA. A proposed tracking system will use QR codes on each refillable cylinder, tied to a central database that will identify the producer or importer and track the “chain of custody” of the cylinder. eliminating the use of disposable cylinders The small amount of refrigerant will find its way into the atmosphere, either by leaking out or when the cylinder is crushed There are two stated reasons the EPA is eliminating the use of disposable cylinders. One is environmental concerns about the small amount of refrigerant left in a disposable cylinder after it is used. This small amount of refrigerant (the “heel”) will eventually find its way into the atmosphere, either by leaking out or when the cylinder is crushed for recycling. The other stated reason is to curb illegal HFC trafficking and imports because smugglers use the inexpensive and untraceable disposable tanks.  bipartisan legislation passed by Congress The AIM Act was bipartisan legislation passed by Congress and signed into law in late 2020; it gives the EPA authority to phase down HFCs to 15% of their baseline levels by 2036. Industry opponents contend the ban on disposable cylinders exceeds the authority granted to the EPA by the AIM Act. Opponents also contend that banning non-refillable cylinders is an unnecessary restriction that does almost nothing to protect the environment.  Hassles for the HVAC industry The ban would also impose financial and logistical difficulties on contractors and the broader industry The HVAC industry also sees the tracking database as onerous. For example, distributors would need to track individual cylinders with their EPA identifier number and report which cylinders are sold to which customers. The measure would also impose financial and logistical difficulties on contractors and the broader industry. One estimate of the cost to U.S. companies of setting up a fleet of refillable cylinders is $2 billion. There is also concern about how returned cylinders containing A2L refrigerants can be handled to meet fire code requirements for storage of flammable gases. Implementing the new requirements could also further constrain the cooling supply chain, which is already stressed. Worthington Industries petitioned the EPA to rescind Worthington Industries, the only U.S. manufacturer of disposable cylinders, has petitioned the EPA to rescind the ban and proposes an alternative approach – a lightweight, fully recyclable cylinder – that addresses concerns about smuggling and heel emissions.   HARDI, the U.S. association of HVAC wholesalers, has filed a lawsuit against the EPA in an effort to overturn the ban. They are joined in the petition by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association (PHCC).  Non-refillable, disposable cylinders have already been banned in several countries, including the European Union (EU), Canada and Australia. In these locations, smugglers have adapted to other types of containers.