The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week November 17-23. The theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is “10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation,” recognizing the events and programs that have helped thousands of individuals learn about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship Programs. During this week, PHTA will be promoting its two Registered Apprenticeship Programs for people interested in careers as pool maintenance and service professionals and pool installers.
PHTA first launched the Pool Maintenance and Service Apprenticeship Program in August 2021. Due to membership interest, PHTA launched its second program, the Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program, in August 2023. These two programs allow PHTA members to increase the number of skilled workers in the pool construction and service industries. Both programs offer free enrollment for PHTA members.
PHTA’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs play a key role in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. They allow employers to reach more diverse candidates and connect with more local workforce and community organizations; provide mentorship and hands-on learning; and build trust, loyalty, and rapport between employees and employers.
In 2024, PHTA celebrated the first graduates of the Pool Maintenance and Service Apprenticeship Program and achieved 20% growth in participation compared to last year. Nearly 50 companies are currently participating in PHTA’s apprenticeship programs and both programs continue to grow year over year.
From an apprentice’s perspective, PHTA’s programs offer consistent training, enabling employees to earn while they learn. Upon graduation from the apprenticeship program, employees are highly skilled, motivated to continue learning, and have a great work/life balance.
“PHTA continues to hear that workforce development is a top concern for our member companies,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “PHTA’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide a clear path for employers to train and retain workers. Through these programs, more individuals are exposed to the benefits of working in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry and receive high-quality PHTA education while gaining hands-on experience. We are pleased with the growth of the PHTA Registered Apprenticeship Programs this year and encourage more members to enroll as part of their workforce development efforts.”
To learn more about PHTA’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs, visit apprenticeship.phta.org.