(WBTW) – As few young people enter construction or other trade fields, one group in South Carolina is working to address the shortage.
The South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors started the ‘Ride and Decide’ program in a growing demand in the HVAC and trade fields. Local businesses take on apprentices and interns to work for the summer to see if they have an interest in pursuing a career. Right now, local businesses are looking for 22 apprentices to work this summer.
South Carolina Association of Heating and Air contractors and owner of Carolina Cool, Verlon Wulf says “We’ve actually had kids come to us, or people come to us, that have a four year degree and are just really searching for something to make good consistent stable income.”
Eligible students must be at least 16-years-old, have completed their sophomore year in high school and get a recommended by a teacher, school administrator or a heating and air contractor association member. Students must also have at least a C average and excellent school attendance, reliable transportation to and from the work location and obtain parental permission with a release for the SCAHACC and educational institution.
The program will pair students with trade industry contractors to allow them to experience the trade while assisting in paid work functions during their summer school break.
You can find out more about the program and qualifications you can visit their website, here.
Around the country, other organizations and surrounding county schools have joined forces to make the program a success. In one area, over eighty students have participated in the program in the past two years, with 31 employers enrolled.