Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

Get Young People Interested in the Trades And then there's the question of where we get apprentices to train in the ways of craftsmanship and best practices. Look no further than the upcoming generation. Many young people simply aren't aware of opportunities in the skilled trades — or the joy of working with their hands. Shop class is nowhere near as prevalent as it once was, so students are not getting the exposure to hands-on crafting and problem-solving that they once had. Groups like the GRIT Foundation are working to change that. We've worked with contractors around the country to run day camps where middle and high schoolers receive a set of plans for an assembly they need to build using carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills. The mentors who guide the students don't answer questions directly; we train them to use the Socratic method to get students to think about things like why we use PVC for some pipes and copper for others, why and when we use different fastener types, and why electrical circuits have a switch, load, and power supply. The purpose is to get children to feel the joy of working with their hands and solving a puzzle in a safe, controlled environment while they build their skills. When we get people excited about opportunities in the trades (and what their hands and minds are REALLY capable of) and make sure HVAC businesses are run by actual tradespeople, the future looks a lot

brighter. The industry stays sustainable; although prices do depend on economic trends, they can at least reflect the quality of our labor more than massive private equity debts. And tomorrow's future looks brighter when we have the professional pride to evangelize the value of the trades with each and every service call, GRIT Camp, career day, or wherever else. Of course, that's pretty idealistic. But if enough people reflect on who we are and what people really value, just like Ebenezer Scrooge, we can stand together to create a better future that is enhanced by technology and the times but not totally reliant on it. We must remember that blue-collar ethos, pair it with the technology of today, and consider tomorrow's apprentices. Merry Christmas. In the words of Tiny Tim, who indeed lived when Scrooge had his change of heart: God bless us, every one. Become part of the solution and future of the HVACR industry in your community and state. Join the Arkansas HVACR Association to stay up on technology, legislation, and regulation. Click Here to Join.