The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation is expanding its online offerings to better serve the growing needs of the plumbing and HVACR community, making it a central hub for proper education, training and certification in the p-h-c industry.
The Foundation is adding a suite of new courses to the PHCC Academy platform that are available to all plumbing and HVACR students, apprentices and practicing technicians, as well as business owners and their administrative staff, to obtain mandatory certifications to comply with federal regulations regarding refrigerant handling and to complement their business management and leadership skills.
Technician certification prep
In partnership with ESCO Institute, the first course will introduce refrigerant safety and low GWP refrigerants
The existing HVACR curriculum is being enriched by two new certification preparatory courses, equipping technicians with the proper knowledge to earn credentials to safely work in the field and be able to purchase and transport low GWP refrigerants confidently.
In partnership with ESCO Institute, the first course will introduce refrigerant safety and low GWP refrigerants (A2L), as well as cover proper installation, service, and associated codes and standards. The course aims to prepare individuals for ESCO Institute’s refrigerant safety certification exam.
The second course will address EPA Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act, mandatory for professionals who work with appliances that contain ozone depleting refrigerants. This course will prepare students to take the EPA Section 608 examination, needed for working in the field, and teach them how to properly maintain, service, repair, or dispose of such appliances.
Additional perks
Apart from these HVACR-related courses, new plumbing courses (coming later in the year), and a series of business-focused learning modules are available. Geared towards p-h-c industry professionals at any level, and with no prerequisites needed, the Business Leadership Essentials course will help individuals work on their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
The Foundation has partnered with the expert-led learning platform GoalMakers to offer this solution that strengthens a leadership team and directly improves bottom lines. Some of the more advanced courses will focus on project administration and Finance Management.
This course will help business owners better understand financial statements, tax rights and responsibilities, and empower them with the necessary skills for managing their business finances.
Mastering HVACR & business
"We’re always looking to enhance our educational programming to ensure our p-h-c workforce is properly trained and complying with the regulatory requirements impacting the industry,” said Dan Quinonez, Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation.
“In order for technicians to work with systems containing refrigerants, they need HVACR certifications for safe handling. At the same time, there is also a need for professionals in the industry to build their business skills, refine their organisational leadership and confidently manage company finances to improve their profitability. Our priority is to be the premier educational resource for the industry, whether that person is on the jobsite or in the boardroom.”
Skilled workforce demand
The length of the individual course varies, and so does the pricing, depending on whether an exam is required. However, all course participants receive a certificate of completion. The PHCC Academy continues to be an important resource for training HVACR and plumbing professionals amid the skilled labour shortage impacting the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the p-h-c industry will need approximately 114,500 qualified new workers by 2028.
