Labor shortage - Articles - Page 2 | Plumbing & Mechanical

Meta Launches America's Workforce Academy

This program will launch in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas as the 2026 pilot locations.

June 9, 2026

Meta is launching America’s Workforce Academy (AWA): a nationwide fast-track to a long-term career in a skilled trade, powered by an initial $115 million first year investment.

A young technician's hands working on a project while an older technician helps.

Showcasing HVAC Excellence on a National Stage

Paige Burns discusses Trane's ongoing support of the ServiceTitan National HVAC Championship and its role in promoting technical excellence and workforce development.

Kristen R. Bayles

June 4, 2026

The annual competition highlights the industry's top technicians while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in HVAC.

The cover for the "Paige the Plumber" book.

Bradford White Sparks Interest in Skilled Trades with New Children’s Book

The water heater manufacturer partners with children’s book author to inspire the next generation of plumbers and trade professionals.

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

June 2, 2026

The book is sponsored through Bradford White’s Industry Forward program, which highlights the value and opportunities that come with a career in the trades.

Last year's event, held at the Phillies Stadium.

Phillies, NEST to Host Skilled Trades All-Star Program

Philadelphia Phillies and South Jersey-based NEST to host Skilled Trades All-Star Program for local Philadelphia students on June 9.

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

May 28, 2026

The two will host a hands-on experience designed to introduce Philadelphia students to career opportunities in the skilled trades.

Students participating in the hands-on demonstrations.

Over 1,500 Attend First-Ever Maine Skills Expo at SMCC

The event brings 33 regional schools together with industry to tackle $325 billion workforce gap.

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

May 26, 2026

$22,500 in scholarships were awarded at the event.

A display showing GF and Uponor's logos.

Rethinking How We Work Together at the GF Flow Symposium

What stood out most to me at the GF Flow Symposium was the growing recognition that no one company is going to solve all the problems of the industry alone.

Kristen R. Bayles

May 21, 2026

At the GF Flow Symposium, conversations focused not just on solving individual problems, but on building the relationships needed to address them over time.

A commercial bathroom with several urinals.

Building Resilience: Why Pressure-Assisted Toilets are Critical for Emergency Preparedness

As water scarcity concerns grow, commercial facilities are increasingly adopting plumbing systems designed for efficiency and reliability.

Mike Gembarski

May 20, 2026

High-efficiency plumbing systems can help facilities conserve water, reduce operational costs, and improve long-term sustainability performance.

Barton James, ACCA president and CEO, reads to a class of first graders in Little Rock, Arkansas in recognition of National Skilled Trades Day.

ACCA President and CEO Inspires the Next Generation of Tradespeople in Recognition of National Skilled Trades Day

James visited his own children's school in Arkansas last week to read The Air Came to a Stop to three first-grade classes.

May 7, 2026

James joined a local Arkansas elementary school to celebrate National Skilled Trades Day with a reading of The Air Came to a Stop and the Water Came to a Stop, two books in ACCA's children's book program.

A construction worker writing on a clipboard

Why the Skilled Labor Shortage Demands a New Approach

Industry leaders are shifting toward training-first models to attract and develop talent in a more complex service environment.

Kristen R. Bayles

May 6, 2026

As the industry marks National Skilled Trades Day, leaders are rethinking training and recruitment to build the next generation of technicians.

The logos for Current, Elevate, HIRE360, and Metropolitan Planning Council.

New report details how lead pipe replacement can drive workforce opportunity

Report outlines how a $6 billion infrastructure challenge can become a pathway to widespread economic growth if funding is deployed intentionally.

March 24, 2026

The report warns that without intentional workforce training strategies, the people and places with the greatest exposure to lead service lines are unlikely to benefit from the employment opportunities presented by this massive infrastructure investment.