PHTA Launches Second Apprenticeship Program
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has launched the PHTA Registered Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor, to help build a more skilled and diverse workforce.
The program is designed to reskill displaced workers, upskill incumbent workers and attract and develop new entrants, including those from untapped talent pools such as veterans and military spouses.
It comes amid increasing interest in registered apprenticeships and their proven success in meeting the needs of employers and will help close the skills gap in the pool industry by allowing individuals to earn wages while receiving hands-on training and filling the need for skilled pool installer and builder professionals.
“Pool construction and installation is a critical sector of our industry and one that requires broad knowledge of concrete, soils, hydraulics and so many other subjects,” says Charlie Claffey, president of Claffey Pools and PHTA chairman of the board. “The new PHTA Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program gives employers the tools they need to properly train their staff and helps future members of the workforce develop the skills they need to be successful in our industry.”
The program leverages the PHTA’s signature educational programming and aligns it with ANSI Standards and certification guidelines. Upon completion of the program, apprentices will be eligible to take the exam for PHTA certifications and achieve the Department of Labor apprenticeship credential.
From a workforce perspective, apprentices will be able to take their training credentials anywhere in the country and be recognized for graduating as a PHTA Pool Installer Technician Apprentice.
For more information and resources on both PHTA Apprenticeship Programs, visit https://apprenticeship.phta.org/.
