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Home » workforce development

Articles Tagged with ''workforce development''

Female technician repairing heating system pipes in the boiler room.

Breaking barriers: UA Local 9’s Committee leads the way in recruitment, mentorship and support

From schools to job sites, the union’s women-led initiative is challenging outdated stereotypes and proving that women belong in the trades.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
September 24, 2025

Women make up only 2-3% of the plumbing workforce and 8% of plumbing apprentices. In construction trades, they hold 3.9% of roles like plumber or pipefitter, a 32% increase since 2016, totaling over 314,000 tradeswomen, according to the Institute of Women’s Policy Research.



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The logo for NorthCoast 99.

Oatey Co. named top workplace in Northeast Ohio for 15th time

This award was presented by NorthCoast 99.
September 22, 2025

The 27-year-old award initiative features a rigorous application process emphasizing top-performer attraction, development, and retention in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, employee engagement, and talent development.


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A varied group of workers performs site analysis at the construction site
The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

Coaching vs. managing: The modern leader’s approach

Kenny Chapman headshot with a white round border frame, 200x200
Kenny Chapman
August 28, 2025

If you’re leading a plumbing team today, you’re probably dealing with a whole mix of generations, attitudes, and learning styles. The top-down, “Because I said so,” approach may have worked in the past (barely), but it’s not cutting it now. The truth is, people don’t want to be managed—they want to be developed.


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A group of three multi-ethnic workers at a construction site wearing hard hats, safety glasses and reflective clothing, smiling and conversing.
Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

More than a paycheck: why retention starts with respect

Respect and trust are the real reasons workers stay in this industry.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
August 18, 2025

It’s about clarity and consistency. Are your techs empowered to say no to unreasonable requests? Do they feel supported when a client pushes back? Do your customers understand the value behind your pricing, and the fact that your team isn’t just delivering a service, they’re delivering their skill, time and care?


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A male home inspector is using an endoscope inspection camera to check the kitchen tube
Guest Editorial | Lindsay Renkel

Work smarter, not harder: giving labor productivity a boost with technology

Facing a growing labor gap, plumbing and mechanical contractors are turning to digital tools.
Lindsay Renkel author profile
Lindsay Renkel
July 14, 2025

Advances in hardware and software open the door to future-proof projects, maximize resources and unlock new efficiencies. Here are three ways plumbing and mechanical contractors can use technology to get more done despite the industry’s shortage of skilled labor.


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She's wearing a white safety helmet and safety glasses.
Guest Editorial | Phil Hotarek

Connecting with gen Z – why they’re the plumbing trade’s next big thing

Why you should be recruiting gen Z, and how to do it.
Phil Hotarek 200x200 headshot
Phil Hotarek
June 18, 2025

Gen Z is reshaping the workforce by opting for trades like plumbing instead of costly four-year degrees. With rising tuition and student debt, they’re seeking immediate job opportunities, which presents a tremendous opportunity for our industry. If you're not tapping into their potential, you're missing out.



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AO Smith technician shaking hands with a man standing by a heat pump water heater(HPWH).
Heat Pump Water Heaters

Training and education essential to keep up with heat pump market growth

Manufacturers offer installation and maintenance tips for contractors.
Brandon Paykamian
March 20, 2025

The heat pump water heater (HPWH) market is set to grow from nearly $100 billion in 2024 to $156.59 billion by 2030, fueled by energy efficiency regulations, rising energy costs, urbanization, and a demand for sustainable solutions.



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The architect is talking about a new project in the meeting room. Four people are sitting at the table, three wearing yellow construction vests and two white safety helmets on the table.
Guest Editorial | Destry Thompson

From apprentice to all-star

Investing in employee training and development.
Destry Thompson headshot 200x200px
Destry Thompson
March 19, 2025

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.



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PM0815_Products_HouseCall-Pro_resized.jpg

Housecall Pro champions future of the trades industry with Housecall Pro for Education program

March 3, 2025

The software platform Housecall Pro has announced its new Housecall Pro for Education program.


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Now Hiring sign hanging outside a building.
Guest Editorial | John Akhoian

Plumbing contractors need to rethink recruiting to attract the next generation

How contractors should handle the rising costs to acquire leads.
John Akhoian 200x200 headshot
John Akhoian
February 21, 2025

With a decline in skilled trades workers, finding a reliable plumber is increasingly difficult. As thousands of job openings are projected annually, plumbing contractors must rethink their hiring strategies.


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