Graduating students earn globally recognized journeyman status credentials guaranteeing a substantial pay raise at the end of the school year
CHC Mechanical Contractors, Inc, (CHC) is concerned. The local leader in its field, CHC says the lack of skilled tradesmen in the U.S. economy is a challenge, but it is tackling the problem head-on with what it calls NCCER (National Center for Construction & Education Research) HVAC and plumbing apprenticeship school or CHC University (CHCU).
“We believe the best solution is to train and promote talent from within our organization,” said CHC.
CHCU, a four-year program designed to educate students in HVAC and plumbing trades, combines practical experience and classroom instruction providing students with a “well-rounded education,” according to CHC. The program, which began in Sept. 2023, has seven students who have completed their first year in May 2024.
According to the company, the program has “already been a significant success for the students, instructors and our company.”
“A key advantage of our program is that students work on our projects from Monday through Thursday, allowing them to earn a full salary while gaining hands-on experience. They attend classes and complete lab work on Fridays,” said CHC. “CHC pays 100% of the tuition for our student’s education.”
CHC supports college education but understands students deserve other options. It’s what’s best for business, the economy and the future.
CHC University
“While we wholeheartedly support college education, we recognize that it isn’t the right path for everyone,” said CHC. “There are many alternative routes to a successful career. One such path is CHC University, which offers excellent opportunities for individuals interested in building a career in the HVAC and plumbing industry.”
All instructors are CHC employees, and CHCU provides accredited NCCER (National Center for Construction & Education Research) HVAC and plumbing apprenticeship school.
“This comprehensive four-year program is taught by our certified instructors in our state-of-the-art, on-site classroom,” according to CHC. “Notably, all our instructors are also employed by CHC Mechanical Contractors, ensuring they bring real-world experience to their teaching.”
CHC President Garry Floeter even steps up to the plate to take a swing at instruction.
“Our other instructors include a plumbing foreman, an on-site project manager, an HVAC superintendent and a project manager,” according to CHC.
Graduating students earn globally recognized journeyman status credentials guaranteeing a substantial pay raise at the end of the school year.
“We believe that team members who commit to our program should be rewarded for their effort and the additional knowledge they gain,” said CHC.
The UCBJ agrees, and the students who have completed the first year are enjoying the program, if personal evaluations are any indication. Once the program is completed, students will continue their education with CHCU leadership classes.
“This prepares them for the next step in their career: promotion to foreman status,” according to CHC. “From there, their career path can lead to various roles, including superintendent, on-site project manager, project manager, estimator and more.”
CHC wants to enroll 10 new students each school year, and if you are interested in joining the team, and possibly becoming a CHCU student, CHC is hiring.
“If anyone is interested in employment opportunities at CHC Mechanical Contractors, Inc., as well as beginning a successful career path in the HVAC and plumbing industry by enrolling in our accredited NCCER HVAC and plumbing school, please contact Sherry Hamilton, human resources manager/NCCER program director at 931-528-5514, ext. 136 for more information.”
Join the team, it could be the first step in a journey toward a trades education, and that is a beautiful thing.
Photo courtesy of CHC.
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