Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor - Articles

Back of seated students with raised hands in a classroom, a blurred background of the teacher pointing.

Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Lessons in learning: Everyone learns differently, just like everyone teaches differently

September 30, 2025

Explore the power of hands-on learning in the heating industry as seasoned experts share their insights on effective teaching. This editorial reflects on the impact of memorable seminars, the importance of understanding theory, and the art of listening in nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians.

Male Plumber Fixing Leak In Domestic Bathroom Sink With Female Trainee Holding Digital Tablet.

Guest Editorial | Dona Thompson

For an effective apprenticeship program, it’s critical to invest in tech

Three tips for successful implementation of a tech-friendly apprenticeship program.

Dona Thompson

September 29, 2025

Most crucial of all is developing a strong team of mentors who can help nurture aspiring technicians. This is often where the true value of an apprenticeship program is revealed. Most contractors have at least one veteran tradesperson about whom they would say, "I wish I had 10 of them!"

Plumbing student receiving on-site instructions.

Guest Editorial | Phil Hotarek

How a ride-along program can revolutionize plumbing recruitment

Catch red flags and combat job hopping by implementing a ride-along program.

Phil Hotarek

September 26, 2025

Not every ride-along ends in a hire, and that’s by design. Last year, a candidate with over 20 years of experience applied. On the phone, he nailed every question with the right answer and knew what to say to capture my attention. His resume looked solid, so I invited him for a ride-along. But when he joined our team, the cracks appeared.

Guest Editorial | Phil Hotarek

How a ride-along program can revolutionize plumbing recruitment

Catch red flags and combat job hopping by implementing a ride-along program.

Phil Hotarek

September 25, 2025

Not every ride-along ends in a hire, and that’s by design. Last year, a candidate with over 20 years of experience applied. On the phone, he nailed every question with the right answer and knew what to say to capture my attention. His resume looked solid, so I invited him for a ride-along. But when he joined our team, the cracks appeared.

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

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.

A street in Millinocket, a town in Penobscot County, Maine

Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Methods from Millinocket: One town in Maine is leading the way in hydronics technology and transactive energy management

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

September 18, 2025

Millinocket is near utility-scale wind turbine farms where strong winter winds can lead to over-generation of electricity, surpassing local grid demand. While it might seem intuitive to shut down some generation equipment during such times, the process is not as simple as flipping a switch.