The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), has launched the PHTA Registered Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), to help build a more skilled and diverse workforce. This new apprenticeship program is part of a larger initiative to expand the skills and size of the pool builder workforce in the aquatics industry.

The PHTA Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program is designed to reskill displaced workers, upskill incumbent workers, and attract and develop new entrants to the workforce, including those from untapped talent pools such as veterans and military spouses.

The new program, which comes amid increasing interest in registered apprenticeships and their proven success in meeting the needs of employers, will help close the skills gap in the pool industry by allowing individuals to earn wages while receiving hands-on training to successfully increase their skills while filling the need for skilled pool installer and builder professionals.

PHTA launched its first DOLregistered apprenticeship program in 2021 for pool maintenance and service technicians.

According to Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA, workforce development is a top concern for PHTA members.

“Building on the success we have seen so far with the maintenance and service apprenticeship program, we are excited to offer this new program as a resource to help educate and train the next generation of pool builders,” Hickman said.

Charlie Claffey, President of Claffey Pools and PHTA Chairman of the Board, said that pool construction and installation is a critical sector of our industry and one that requires broad knowledge of concrete, soils, hydraulics, and many other subjects.

“The new PHTA Pool Installer Technician Apprenticeship Program gives employers the tools they need to properly train their staff and helps future members of the workforce develop the skills they need to be successful in our industry,” Claffey said. “We appreciate our partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor so we can continue to elevate the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.”

The PHTAPool InstallerTechnician Apprentice Program leverages PHTA's signature educational programming and aligns it with ANSI Standards and certification guidelines to cultivate pool builder professionals who will be equipped to construct aquatic environments. Upon completion of the program, apprentices will be eligible to take the exam for PHTA certifications and achieve the US DOL apprenticeship credential.

From a workforce perspective, apprentices will be able to take their training credentials anywhere in the country and be recognized for graduating as a PHTA Pool Installer Technician Apprentice.

For more information on PHTA Apprenticeship Programs, visit https:// apprenticeship.phta.org/.