PHCC and Milwaukee Tool Expand Commitment to Building the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals

July 13, 2026
By Staff Writer, PHCC-National Association

Falls Church, Va. — PHCC—National Association and Milwaukee Tool are expanding their partnership through a major investment in workforce-development initiatives designed to attract, train and retain the next generation of plumbing and HVAC professionals.

As part of this strengthened collaboration, Milwaukee Tool has elevated its support of PHCC to Strategic Partner status, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the skilled trades workforce and ensuring the industry has the talent, training and resources needed to meet future demand.

The expanded partnership includes Milwaukee Tool’s exclusive sponsorship of the PHCC Educational Foundation’s Workforce Advocacy Video Initiative, a national campaign designed to inspire future skilled trades professionals by highlighting rewarding career opportunities in the plumbing industry.

The initiative will feature Charlie Goede, the 2026 U.S. WorldSkills plumbing competitor and former PHCC National Plumbing Apprentice Champion, whose journey from apprentice to international competitor demonstrates the opportunities and career pathways available through the skilled trades.

“Workforce development remains one of the most critical priorities facing our industry,” said Cindy Sheridan, chief executive officer of PHCC—National Association. “Milwaukee Tool has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to advancing the skilled trades through education, training and industry partnerships. Their expanded investment will help us to continue creating opportunities for the next generation of plumbing and HVAC professionals in order to strengthen the future of our industry.”

Built on deep relationships with the trades, Milwaukee Tool works directly with professionals to develop solutions that improve safety, productivity and jobsite performance. That same user-driven approach extends beyond product innovation through long-term investments in workforce development, education and industry partnerships that help prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Milwaukee Tool invests more than $10 million annually in hands-on education and workforce development initiatives. In 2025 alone, the company supported more than 600 apprentice graduations and donated more than $4.5 million in professional-grade equipment to trade schools across the United States.

These efforts build on Milwaukee Tool’s recently announced commitment to invest $200 million by 2030 in skilled trades workforce development initiatives, expanding access to training, strengthening workforce pipelines and supporting the long-term growth of the industry.

“Milwaukee Tool’s success has always been rooted in the success of the skilled trades,” said Scott Teson, Senior Vice President of Skilled Trades at Milwaukee Tool. “As we continue investing in the future of the industry, we’re proud to deepen our partnership with PHCC and support the programs, training and workforce development initiatives that help attract and prepare the next generation of plumbing and HVAC professionals.”

The Workforce Advocacy Video Initiative will be promoted through PHCC and PHCC Educational Foundation communication channels and will provide resources that contractors, educators and industry stakeholders can use to support recruitment and workforce-development efforts nationwide.

For more information about PHCC partnership and sponsorship programs, contact PHCC Vice President of Business Development Elicia Magruder at magruder@naphcc.org, or call 800-533-7694.

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About PHCC
The PHCC—National Association, formed in 1883, provides legislative advocacy, education, and training to approximately 3,500 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of services designed to increase their professionalism, grow their business, and improve profitability. For more information about PHCC, visit phccweb.org.

About Milwaukee Tool
For over 100 years, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry with innovative solutions that redefine performance, productivity, and safety for professional trades. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to its users, Milwaukee Tool pioneers breakthrough technologies, products, and services that empower tradespeople to excel in their work and return home safely each day. Milwaukee is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced, trade-specific solutions from its global research, design and development facilities located across southeast Wisconsin.

Milwaukee® is a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI), a world leader in cordless technology. For more information about Milwaukee Tool, visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

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