Addressing the Skilled Trades Gap

The labor shortage in plumbing is not new, but it is intensifying. With a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement, companies must rethink how they attract, train, and retain talent.

ARS developed the Drain Cleaning Academy in direct response to this challenge. Rather than competing in an already tight labor market or relying exclusively on trade schools, the company created a structured internal pathway into the trade. The program aligns workforce development with business growth objectives, ensuring that new technicians are trained to meet both technical standards and customer expectations from day one.

This approach allows ARS to:

• Build a consistent and scalable talent pipeline
• Reduce dependency on external hiring sources
• Standardize technical and customer service training across locations
• Support long-term employee retention

A Purpose-Built Hybrid Model

Plumbing is inherently hands-on. Yet modern workforce development requires flexibility and scalability. The Drain Cleaning Academy bridges both needs through a thoughtfully designed hybrid structure.

The 7-week program combines:

• Live virtual classroom instruction led by a technical trainer
• Self-paced online learning modules for reinforcement and knowledge checks
• In-branch hands-on practice supervised by Plumbing Service Managers
• Structured field ride-alongs with experienced professional plumbers

Each week, trainees participate in instructor-led virtual sessions covering safety, diagnostics, equipment usage, communication skills, and customer service protocols. Class sizes are intentionally limited to encourage engagement and discussion.

Between sessions, learners complete assignments and quizzes within the company’s learning management system, ARS University. This ensures comprehension before moving into hands-on application.

Hands-on training occurs at the branch level, where trainees practice core tasks such as snaking drains, identifying proper cable selection, and troubleshooting under supervision. Finally, weekly ride-alongs expose participants to live customer environments, allowing them to observe and practice real-world execution.

This blended model ensures that trainees not only understand the technical content, but can apply it confidently in the field.

Building More Than Technical Skill

A defining feature of the Drain Cleaning Academy is its emphasis on both technical competency and professional development.

The curriculum is sequenced using progressive scaffolding. Trainees begin with safety, expectations, and communication fundamentals before advancing into diagnostics, equipment operation, and complete drain cleaning procedures. Third-party manufacturer content from partners such as A.O. Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem supplements internally developed materials to ensure technical accuracy and industry alignment.

Equally important is the mentorship component. Professional plumbers are selected for ride-alongs not only for their technical expertise, but also for their coaching ability. Structured checklists guide these field experiences to ensure consistency and accountability.

Additionally, new trainees receive incentives such as tool packages to increase program appeal and reinforce commitment. This selection process ensures motivated participants who are serious about building a career in plumbing.

Measurable Impact

The program’s success is not anecdotal - it is measurable.

• 129 plumbers have completed the program since inception
• Graduates ran 12,260 service tickets in 2025
• Average ticket for graduates was 29% higher than the company average

These metrics demonstrate immediate business impact while validating the effectiveness of the training model.

Beyond revenue, participating branches report:

• Reduced staffing shortages
• Improved service consistency
• Stronger customer satisfaction
• Increased employee retention

Graduates are also advancing into leadership and specialized roles, reinforcing the program’s value as a long-term career pathway rather than simply an onboarding initiative.

Scaling Across the Enterprise

The Drain Cleaning Academy has launched across multiple branches, with additional locations onboarding as hiring demands grow. The hybrid format allows consistent delivery across geographically dispersed branches while maintaining critical hands-on training.

From an enterprise standpoint, the program supports broader organizational goals, including:

• Sales growth
• Improved safety performance
• Team development
• Reduced turnover
• Workforce resilience

By investing in structured development early, ARS is strengthening both operational performance and cultural alignment.

Lessons for the Industry

The Drain Cleaning Academy demonstrates several key insights for contractors and industry leaders:

1. Internal pipelines reduce market vulnerability. Building talent internally provides stability in a competitive labor environment.
2. Hybrid models can work in the trades. When designed intentionally, virtual learning enhances - rather than replaces - hands-on training.
3. Career pathways matter. Clear development opportunities improve retention and performance.

Most importantly, the program reinforces that workforce development cannot be reactive. It must be strategic, structured and aligned with business objectives.

Investing in the Future of Plumbing

The future of the plumbing industry depends on its ability to attract and develop new talent. Programs like the Drain Cleaning Academy show that innovation in training delivery can address both immediate staffing needs and long-term workforce sustainability.

By combining structured learning, hands-on practice, mentorship, and measurable accountability, ARS has created more than a training initiative - it has built a replicable model for developing the next generation of plumbing professionals.

As the skilled trades continue to evolve, organizations that prioritize intentional workforce development will not only fill open positions - they will define the future of the industry.