Help expand H
VAC classes in Florida high schools and secure tomorrow’s skilled techs today.
Covering the recent PBACCA / FACAA apprenticeship graduation celebration reignited a passion I’ve carried for years. Training programs have always struck a deep chord with me. For a long time, I’ve wanted to share the resources available to our industry and rally contractors to take a more active role in such an important part of the industry.
When I founded ACprosite just over two years ago, I finally gained the platform to do exactly that, without the constraints of print page counts and with the ability to spark real-time conversations. Today, it’s easier than ever for us to share ideas, swap experiences, and work together toward a stronger, better-trained workforce.
So here we go. I’m eager to hear your thoughts, your stories, and your feedback.
I know we have a shortage of technicians now and this isn’t a solution that will have immediate results. But we need to look at the future as well.
According to O*NET Online, a tool developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Florida’s HVAC industry has a projected job growth of 17% or 3,940 annual job openings through 2032. One long-term solution is introducing more HVAC training into high schools.
Some Florida districts already run successful Career and Technical Education (CTE) HVAC programs, Polk, Pasco, Volusia, Clay, Palm Beach and Hendry among them. Students graduate with hands-on experience, EPA 608 certification, and in some cases, NATE credentials. These programs are proven but we need more of them and contractors are the experts who can help.
The Funding Is There, Let’s Use It
Expanding high school HVAC programs is a funded opportunity in Florida right now. Several state grant programs are specifically designed to help schools launch or grow technical training:
- Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant (Workforce CAP). Over $200 million has been awarded since 2023 to fund equipment, facilities, and program startup costs, with HVAC explicitly included in multiple districts.
- Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant . Supports apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program creation, perfect for linking classroom instruction with contractor job sites.
Why Contractors Should Step Up
Some of the grants mentioned above require industry partners to make them effective. Schools applying for these funds need to show strong employer engagement, clear job demand, and direct industry benefit. That’s where HVAC business owners have huge influence.
For contractors, supporting high school HVAC programs isn’t charity but an investment. The earlier students are exposed to HVAC skills, the faster they can contribute on the job after graduation.
You can:
- Encourage your local association (you do belong to one, don’t you?) to reach out to schools through their apprenticeship program.
- Reach out to your local school district’s CTE coordinator or technical college.
- If you have an existing relationship with a high school, talk to them about pursuing Workforce CAP or apprenticeship grants—with you as their industry partner.
- Serve on Program Advisory Committees (PACs) and advise on curriculum to match industry needs.
- Donate tools, equipment, or materials.
- Offer internships, job shadowing, or part-time work.
- Visit classrooms to inspire students by sharing your career journey.
- Offer tours of your facility.
A Win for Students, A Win for the Trade
For students, high school HVAC programs offer a pathway into a respected, stable, and well-paid profession without the heavy debt burden that often comes with a four-year degree. Graduates can step into jobs that pay well above Florida’s median wage—and with experience and additional certifications, their earnings can climb quickly.
For the trade, early exposure means a more diverse and prepared workforce. When students learn HVAC basics before graduation, they enter the industry with fewer misconceptions and more confidence. They also develop a stronger appreciation for the technical skills and customer service that separates top-tier contractors from the rest.
Act now. Contact your local school district’s CTE coordinator or technical college. Offer your expertise, your time, or even your shop as a training site.
Here are a couple of resources that may help:
- CareerSource Florida. A statewide workforce policy and investment board of business and government leaders charged with guiding workforce development for the state of Florida.
- Apprentice Florida. A partnership between the Florida Department of Education, FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida. They encourage and assist businesses in establishing apprenticeships and educate individuals about pursuing careers through apprenticeships.
Florida’s HVAC future will be built one technician at a time. Let’s start building them while they’re still in high school and make sure our industry thrives for decades to come.
Warm regards,
Peter Montana, Director, ACprosite.com
pmontana@ACprosite.com
813.417.6792
