The pool and spa industries are facing a severe shortage of workers with the skills to service and maintain aquatic environments. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance launched a national apprenticeship program to address this problem. It offers aspiring pool technicians a flexible and comprehensive training path. The PHTA Registered Pool Maintenance and Service Technician Program is registered by the U.S. Department of Labor and utilizes industry-developed competencies and ANSI approved standards developed by PHTA.
Apprentices can learn while earning through a program that combines on-the-job paid training with online education. The program prepares apprentices for well-paying careers in the pool and spa industry. Upon completion of the program, they also receive a nationally recognized credential by the Department of Labor.
Charlie Claffey of Claffey Pools and Chairman of the PHTA Board, explains it best: “The PHTA Apprenticeship Program was developed to offer a career pathway for individuals who are interested in our industry. Apprentices want and need a way to develop and grow a trade. The apprenticeship program will fit any apprentice with its education and training.
“I love my industry and it has given me opportunities I could never have imagined. It is now the right time to train and develop a workforce for the future. Not only for my company, but also for the entire industry. “The PHTA Apprenticeship Program is the best program for anyone who wants to be part of our great, thriving industry.”
Both employers and employees benefit from the program. Employers are able to recruit, develop and retain highly-skilled workers that meet their needs and standards. Employers can also take advantage of various tax credits and incentives for hiring apprentices. Employees receive valuable experience, mentorship and opportunities for career advancement. Students can access financial aid such as scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance.
The PHTA Apprenticeship Program is designed to be adaptable and accessible to different markets, regions and business models. The duration of the program can be flexible, ranging from 12 to 24 month depending on employer preference and apprentice progress. The program has a modular syllabus that includes topics like water chemistry and filtration, circulation, sanitation safety, electrical systems automation, troubleshooting customer service, etc.
Dave Thompson, CEO at Swimming Pool Services, Wisconsin, is a participant in the program. The PHTA Apprenticeship Program is helping us to grow inexperienced technicians into lead technicians, he says. Their growth allows Swimming Pool Services, to meet the demands in our area and take on more work.
The PHTA Apprenticeship Program is a valuable asset for the pool and spa industries. The PHTA apprenticeship program helps create a pool of service professionals that can meet the increasing demand for pool and Spa maintenance and service. The pool and spa trade is also elevated as a profession that offers rewarding opportunities.
The PHTA Service Council played a key role in the creation and launch of the Apprenticeship Program. Council Chair Alexa Blanda, of Mill Bergen Pools, explains: “The PHTA Service Council focused on delivering a programme built by members for members. We are thrilled to see how the program has grown since its launch, and we’re happy to be able to meet the industry’s most pressing need. Our industry, in partnership with the US DOL has a program which delivers and creates pathways for employers to train and attract their future workers.”
Employers interested in hiring apprentices through this program can visit apprenticeship.phta.org to sign up. Anyone in the industry can participate in the apprentice program, and PHTA membership is not required. The PHTA charges a fee to provide additional education.
Work In Aquatics, a new initiative by the PHTA to develop its workforce, is built around an apprenticeship program. Work In Aquatics features a career website for consumers, workinaquatics.com. It discusses the many benefits of working in pool and spa industries, along with career paths, facts, figures and testimonials of people who are currently employed in the industry. Work In Aquatics provides an overview of apprenticeship programs and jobs that are eligible for them.
Another key feature of Work In Aquatics is the online job board, careers.workinaquatics.com, which allows PHTA members to upload any open job positions, including those that could be a fit for the apprenticeship program. This job board is aimed at attracting thousands of candidates looking for work in pools, spas and other aquatic facilities. PHTA members can post as many jobs as they want for free until the end of 2023.
Sabeena Hicman, CEO and President of PHTA, says: “The sky is the limit. “We are ready to welcome new professionals and even those who have been in the industry for a while but may be seeking a change. We want to remind job seekers that there are endless career advancement opportunities and places for everyone.
The program for workforce development will continue to develop and grow, and provide new tools and resources both for employers and job seekers in the industry.
PHTA is pleased to have developed these programs in close collaboration with its members. These programs offer new opportunities to grow and educate a qualified workforce for both its members and industry.
Please contact the PHTA workforce team at : [email protected] if you have any questions, or would like to be involved.
