You cannot read a newspaper, turn on the news or even have a casual conversation at one of your counters without hearing about the struggle every business is having to attract talented people today.

The just-released 2022 study, sponsored by the Association Education Alliance, features data from 959 distribution companies representing more than 10,000 locations. ASA is one of 22 distribution-related associations that took part in the survey.

Bradford White and PHCC announced the renewal of their exclusive strategic partnership agreement and confirm their joint commitment to promoting and strengthening the plumbing and HVACR industries. The continuing partnership between two of the PCHP industry’s most trusted organizations reflects their shared mission to support professional contractors and their teams through investments in training, education, recruiting and advocacy resources.

The topic of labor has been front and center for quite some time now inside and outside of this industry. But it wasn’t until the recent Thanksgiving holiday break that it really hit home as to just how bad the current situation is. While waiting for my daughter to finish a recent fitness class, I decided to run a quick errand to mail a package. While driving down this road in an industrial park setting, business after business had roadside signs looking for labor — virtually every business on this busy road.

As I’ve been back out attending in person events this Fall, I’ve noticed the conversation surrounding what we’re doing as an industry to bridge the labor gap and recruit more talent has a common theme.

As Careers in Construction Month draws to a close, Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) continues its investment in the national initiative, which recognizes talent and career development opportunities throughout the building trades. Designed to engage prospective skilled laborers as well as current professionals, RWC remains focused on inspiring others to seek a career in the trades. 

Ferguson and Explore the Trades, a nonprofit organization with a mission to recruit individuals to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical trades, have partnered to introduce the skilled trades to a new generation. The two organizations came together to create Explore The Trades Skills Lab Built by Ferguson — a program that will provide support to career and technical education high schools across the U.S., as they establish new plumbing and HVAC career pathways. 

There’s no better way for distributors, manufacturers and reps to strengthen relationships than to gather together and discuss the most hard-hitting topics facing the PHCP-PVF supply chain today. In August, ASA’s Emerging Leaders’ division annual conference, EMERGE, did just that, providing both scheduled and free-time networking opportunities for the under-40 crowd.