The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation announces the debut of its annual HVAC Apprentice Contest on October 16-17 in Las Vegas.

Building upon more than 20 years of success in its annual Plumbing Apprentice Contest, the Foundation has expanded the offering to provide HVAC apprentices with a unique opportunity to compete in a practical, hands-on event that showcases their skills and knowledge. The event will be centered on the CONNECT 2013 tradeshow floor to emphasize the importance of high quality training in the HVAC industry.

“With up to 95 million Baby Boomers either retiring or changing work focus, the HVAC industry is in critical demand for skilled workers to meet the labor needs. The HVAC Apprentice Contest will go a long way in inspiring not only the competing apprentices, but also countless others in attendance at CONNECT who may be considering an HVAC career," says Merry Beth Hall, the Foundation’s director of apprentice and journeyman training.

The first day of the contest will include:

• Brazing
• Pressure testing
• Leak testing
• Pulling a vacuum and
• Refrigerant recovery

The second day of the contest will test skills in taking readings on equipment, electrical diagnostics, and basic electrical skills. Contestants will also take a written exam to assess their knowledge across the HVAC realm.

Applications are due July 1, 2013.

Information on the contest including contestant applications and corporate sponsorship opportunities is available here or by emailing hall@naphcc.org.

For more information on the PHCC CONNECT Conference and Tradeshow (Oct. 16-19), read here.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC)
• PHCC HVAC Apprentice Contest
• PHCC CONNECT 2013 Conference and Tradeshow
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