The Skilled Trades Need Workers
Maybe you’ve heard it before, but the skilled trades like electrical, HVAC, and construction are struggling to find workers. It’s said that for every 4 skilled workers retiring or leaving the industry, only 1 is entering. With competitive wages and high employability, it’s a reliable career path, but trade industries struggle to recruit the next generation.
SC Ride and Decide
Enter the South Carolina Ride and Decide Program. Currently in its pilot program, SC Ride and Decide works to pair students and high schools with industry contractors in their region. The program lets students experience the trade during summer break, assisting in paid work activities. The Ride and Decide Program is a project of the South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning.
Cooper Mechanical Services Welcomes NMB’s Mark Phillips
Senior year of high school can be a stressful time. In addition to finishing important coursework, teenagers are tasked with figuring out plans for life after high school. For some, college is the next step, but many are still unsure of what to study or pursue for a career path.
For Mark Phillips of North Myrtle Beach High School, the Ride and Decide program allowed him to work with Myrtle Beach’s Cooper Mechanical Services, an unlimited license electrical and HVAC contractor. Phillips works part-time with the Cooper team in a variety of areas including business growth. For Phillips, the program provides him a well-paying part-time job and the ability to learn about specific jobs he may decide to pursue in the future.
For Cooper Mechanical Services and many businesses like them, Phillips represents the future of the skilled tradesmen and women. “Having Mark on board is a wonderful,” said Glenn Cooper, founder and president of CMS. “The relationships we are building with students and high school administrators is a great thing for our community and the industry.”
Another Cooper employee is also praising the new program. “Finding quality HVAC people has been a challenge,” remarks Mike Ruggieri, Cooper’s HVAC Clean & Service Manager. “We hope that this program will let young people see that there are good jobs in HVAC here that pay well and let you work with new challenges everyday.”
SC Ride and Decide Student Requirements
The Ride and Decide program is open to any South Carolina high school junior or senior meeting the following requirements:
To participate, student must:
- Be at least 16 years of age before starting the program.
- Have completed their sophomore year of high school.
- Have at least a C average and excellent school attendance.
- Have reliable transportation to and from work location.
- Be recommended to the program by an educator, school administrator, or SCAHACC member.
- Obtain parental permission with a Release for the SCAHACC and educational institution.
- Adhere strictly to the attendance and employment regulations required by the employer and adhere strictly to the SC Child Labor Laws.
To learn more about the program, visit the SC Ride and Decide website or contact Cooper Mechanical Services.