CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Recognizing high standards of training in the HVAC profession, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) awarded its 2022 HVAC Instructor of the Year award to John McCuen Jr., a plumbing and HVAC instructor for the Philadelphia Suburban PHCC registered apprentice program for the last 15 years. The award — sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool — was presented last week at PHCCCONNECT2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In addition to the PHCC apprentice program, McCuen has been an instructor at Delaware County Technical High School for the last five years. With McCuen at the helm of that program, enrollment has nearly tripled. McCuen is dedicated to students during school and beyond the classroom.

“John cares about his students; he is more than their instructor. His students confide in him for advice with life challenges they are facing,” shared the Philadelphia Suburban PHCC nominator. "His job placement for graduating students is exceptional.”

A tough taskmaster, McCuen demands responsibility and a positive attitude from his students. He reminds them that rewards come to those with good work ethics and that both employers and customers appreciate professionalism and quality service.

McCuen also promotes the importance of being part of PHCC as a student, employee, and perhaps eventual business owner. As shared by PHCC-National Joel Long during the awards ceremony, “whether teaching at a PHCC meeting or talking to parents or with contractors, John champions the importance of supporting the industry and the skilled workforce that ensure the safety of our water and indoor air quality.”