Workforce

05.27.21

In a recent PHCC Contractor Sentiment survey, one of the biggest challenges cited by our members is the inability to find employees.  While a problem for several years- this is a crisis exacerbated by the pandemic.  “In a study performed by Marcum’s National Construction Services group:  41% of pre-pandemic respondents chose ‘securing skilled labor’ as the No. 1 threat to their businesses.” (Retrieved from the World Wide Web on May 10, 2021, here), which is now contributing to project backlogs post- COVID-19. 

05.17.21

PHCC relies tremendously on our industry leaders to support today’s p-h-c professionals and to prepare the next generation of our industry’s workforce. Strategic Partner Bradford White has been instrumental in calling attention to career opportunities in the traditional skilled trades – especially during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – and in urging an industry-wide focus on workforce development to close the labor gap and recruit a new generation of young workers.

02.09.21

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC), and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) applaud the House of Representatives for bipartisan passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 (H.R. 447) on Friday and strongly encourage the Senate to approve it as well.

02.03.21

Viega LLC has announced support for SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development. The 2021 sponsorship will support the mission of SkillsUSA and the manufacturing career cluster of the national SkillsUSA Championships. The Viega Group is among the leading manufacturers of pipe fitting installation technology.

11.23.20

Plumbing industry allies IAPMO, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association – National Association (PHCC-NA) enthusiastically support passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 (H.R. 8294) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill seeks to reauthorize the 1937 National Apprenticeship Act, which established the registered apprenticeship system, for the first time since its inception 83 years ago.

10.29.20

On September 22, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping.” The Executive Order sets forth the policy of the United States “not to promote race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating” and prohibits federal contractors from inculcating such views in their employees in workplace diversity and inclusion trainings. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued additional Guidance to assist in implementation.

10.14.20

Determined to safely proceed with a reimagined annual convention despite challenges presented by a global pandemic, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) tapped into creativity, adaptability and modern technology to host a virtual PHCCCONNECT2020, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1. The comprehensive event – the first annual convention held online in the association’s 138-year history – provided a rewarding opportunity for p-h-c contractors, industry partners and PHCC’s affiliated groups to reconnect as an industry. 

10.13.20

As global economic disruption accelerates during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, leaders in manufacturing, distribution and residential and commercial services are calling attention to overlooked career opportunities in the traditional skilled trades and urging an industry-wide focus on workforce development to close the skilled trades labor gap and recruit a new generation of young workers.

08.26.20

Considering the current impasse over funding another COVID relief bill and the U.S. Postal Service in the midst of election season, there is much uncertainty over how Congress will fund the government after September 30. Upon its return to Washington, the Senate will have approximately three weeks to pass 12 appropriations bills, which will then require reconciliation with the House bill before it goes to President Trump for his signature before adjourning for the month of October to campaign.

05.14.20

PHCC members can now participate in a full suite of DeVry University online education options at a partner group registration rate and with the potential to earn a degree. Through a tailored partnership with a well-known education and training provider, PHCC members can access a wide array of DeVryWORKS Skills Gap Training online course modules.