Articles Tagged with ''workforce development''

I’ve traveled quite a bit during my five-plus years with BNP Media — first covering the HVAC industry, and now plumbing.

On Tuesday, August 27, American Standard, part of LIXIL Americas, will host a group of industrious female campers (girls ranging 6-16 in age) from Tools & Tiaras, an organization dedicated to advancing the interest of young girls and women who want to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated trade professions.

The student recipients will receive a $3,500 award and up to six awards will be granted.

Just over 10 years ago, when I graduated from college with my shiny new journalism degree in hand, never in a million years did I think I would be writing about the skilled trades — first HVAC, now plumbing.

In my last two columns, I discussed the business case for why one-on-one meetings are the single best management tactic to improve retention and results, proving the benefits through numerous sources of data. But what does a good one-on-one look like?

For MCAA’s new President Brian Helm, technology is not just a passion, but a way of life. Helm is the president of Freeport, Illinois-based Mechanical Inc., part of the Helm Group of companies, which operates in the healthcare, industrial, education, aquatic, water/wastewater treatment, government, high rise, energy and mission critical sectors.

This inaugural nationwide program will recognize students at hundreds of SkillsUSA chapter high schools across the country for their dedication to pursue a career in residential wiring, building trades and renovations, HVAC or plumbing.

Last month, I presented information about challenges companies face to retain and develop their employees.