The Nexstar Legacy Foundation announced a partnership with Goodman Mfg. Co., a member of the Daikin Group, that will address the shortage of technicians for the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical industries.

Mike Henson (right), director of strategic alliances, Goodman Mfg. Co., presented a $25,000 check to Julie Wieman (left), president of the foundation. The donation will support and help grow the foundation’s two programs, Explore the Trades and Troops to Trades, both of which address the growing shortage of technicians by providing career information, scholarships, and connections to businesses across the U.S. and Canada.

“The technician shortage isn’t just a problem for service companies, it also affects manufacturing,” said Henson. “Manufacturers need to recognize that fewer technicians mean service companies can’t meet the needs of their customers, which will have a negative impact on all of our businesses. We all need to be concerned about this shortage.”

The foundation will use this funding to continue to build awareness of the professional and lucrative careers available in the trades.

“Only 6 percent of all high school students are looking for a career in the trades,” said Renée Cardarelle, executive director, Nexstar Legacy Foundation. “Yet, the job growth in this industry is huge. Our goal is to develop career paths that help more young people and military veterans enter the industry and find stable middle-class careers. Partners like Goodman are instrumental in helping the foundation achieve these goals.”

The Nexstar Legacy Foundation is dedicated to attracting talented individuals to the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries by inspiring these people to discover the prestige, earning power, and stability of careers in these fields. The foundation accomplishes this by being the leading resource for information on careers and training as well as a source of financial aid.

Publication date: 6/29/2015 

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