PHCC and the Trades Ride & Decide Program

As everyone in our industry knows, the construction trades are suffering daily from the lack of skilled workers.  At the current attrition rate,  when the next two generations of tradesmen/women retire in 40 years there will be virtually no one to train. This fact not only affects the trades as an industry, but ultimately the consumer and the future of our society. 

 Gordy Noe, President of Pioneer Heating and Air has participated in various  work based learning programs in the past but realized he needed to reach  potential employees earlier and expose them to the field.  In 2015, he  came up with the idea to create a “Ride and Decide” program for all  students in the area to try the trades and see if the fields were a fit  for their futures.

We all know that part of the problem is the perception of our industry jobs. By providing an avenue where a student can see first-hand what the jobs entail while getting paid, students can make informed decisions if  the trades are right for them .

  The TN PHCC, Knox County and surrounding county schools have joined forces and it is a huge success! 

Over 200 students have participated in the program since 2015!. 

If you are an employer who would like to be involved, fill out the application below. 

Pair students with trade industry contractors to allow them to experience the trade while assisting in paid work functions during their summer school break.