Courtesy of the Connecticut chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC), students in the Connecticut Vocational Technical School System (VTSS) now have access to PHCC’s nationally recognized apprenticeship program.

After learning that the VTSS was having difficulty obtaining funding for student and instructor apprenticeship training manuals, the chapter donated approximately 450 complimentary copies of the manuals for use in Connecticut vo-tech school classrooms. Connecticut PHCC purchased the manuals from National Association at a discounted price and delivered them to VTSS in early autumn.

The manuals, published by PHCC, will be used by 13 schools.

“We are so very proud of the Connecticut PHCC chapter,” said PHCC president Bill Trombly. “It is admirable that our Connecticut members are always looking for opportunities to donate their time and money toward charitable causes that benefit the industry and nation. The national association is pleased to have been able to offer the discounted purchase prices to help make this happen.”

According to PHCC Connecticut executive director, Bob Huppelsberg, the manuals were purchased with funds raised by the Student Manual Plumbing Fund created by PHCC Connecticut solely for that purpose. The VTSS estimates the value of the books is in excess of $40,000.

“Members of our nonprofit trade association have a strong sense of civic responsibility,” said Thomas Gartrell, president of PHCC Connecticut. “Our members have frequently responded to the call to participate in charitable functions.”

Walt Woycik, treasurer and immediate past president of PHCC Connecticut, is a leading proponent of focusing the association on charitable activities. He is chairman of the Student Plumbing Manual Fund.

Publication date: 11/12/2001