With support from the U.S., the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, the trade association that represents the swimming pool and hot tub industry, has launched the PHTA Certified Pool Installer Technologist Apprenticeship Program. Department of Labor, to build a skilled and diverse workforce. This new program is part a larger initiative that aims to increase the number of pool builders and their skills in the aquatics sector.
The PHTA Pool Installation Technician Apprenticeship program is designed to reskill displaced employees, upskill existing workers, and to attract and develop new entrants into the workforce. This includes those who come from talent pools that are not being used, such as veterans or military spouses.
The new program will close the skills gap by allowing people to earn a wage while receiving training that increases their skills.
The PHTA has launched its first DOL registered apprenticeship program for pool technicians and maintenance technicians in 2021.
Sabeena HIckman, CAE is the president and CEO of PHTA. She says, “Over the past several years, PHTA members and the pool industry in general have repeatedly told us that workforce development was a major concern.” We are proud to introduce this new program to educate and train future pool builders.
Charlie Claffey is the president of Claffey Pools as well as PHTA’s chairman of board. He says, “Pool installation and construction are critical sectors of our industry and require broad knowledge in concrete, soils and hydraulics among other topics.” The new PHTA Pool Technician Apprenticeship Program provides employers with the tools to train their employees and gives future workers the skills to succeed in our industry. We are grateful for our partnership with U.S. Department of Labor to continue elevating the pool, hot tub and spa industry.
The PHTA Pool Technician Apprentice Program is a program that combines PHTA’s educational programs with ANSI Standards to create pool builders who are equipped to build aquatic environments. Upon completion, the apprentices are eligible to sit for the PHTA certification exam and receive the US DOL Apprenticeship credential.
As far as the workforce is concerned, apprentices can take their training credentials to any part of the country. They will also be recognized for graduating with a PHTA pool installer technician apprenticeship.
For more information and resources on both PHTA Apprenticeship Programs, visit https://apprenticeship.phta.org/.
