The plumbing and HVAC industries are working to develop skilled workers through apprenticeship programmes and technical education. The PHCC Educational Foundation has appointed John Zink as executive director, named Nicole Urizzo director of Academy Services and installed Steve Rivers as chairman to oversee its national workforce development and training initiatives.
Zink brings 29 years of experience with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors association and its educational foundation. His previous responsibilities have included communications, fundraising, scholarship administration, construction management education and training partnerships.
Urizzo will oversee Academy Services while retaining her positions as executive director of PHCC of New Jersey and the NJPHCC Online Apprenticeship Academy. Her continued involvement in regional training is expected to connect local contractor requirements with national educational resources.
Rivers, owner of Rivers Plumbing and Air in California and a former national association president, has begun a two-year term as foundation chairman, succeeding Patrick Wallner.
The appointments follow a planned leadership succession associated with the retirement of PHCC CEO Cindy Sheridan and former foundation executive director Dan Quinonez’s transition to the national CEO position.
Foundation data indicates that its training programmes are attracting people entering the trades later in their working lives. The average age of participants in its online apprenticeship and technician training programmes is 26, while more than 30% of scholarship applicants are at least 25 years old.
Some applicants are transitioning from entry-level or service-sector employment, while others view technical education as a pathway to establishing their own businesses.
The foundation plans to broaden access to PHCC Academy’s online curriculum, strengthen partnerships with local chapters and connect employers with additional workforce funding and corporate support. Its programmes include online apprenticeship courses, technical training and workforce partnerships designed to prepare workers for plumbing, heating and cooling occupations.
For plumbing and HVAC contractors, accessible apprenticeship programmes can provide a structured route for developing technicians and supporting long-term workforce needs. The foundation’s focus on technical education and collaboration with local chapters also connects national training resources with the operational requirements of contracting businesses.
The leadership transition places responsibility for expanding these resources with executives experienced in national association operations, regional apprenticeship delivery and mechanical contracting. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how successfully the foundation connects training opportunities with employers and prospective tradespeople across local markets.
Source: PHCC.
