As the HVAC industry confronts skilled-labor shortages, advancing technologies, and an aging workforce, developing the next generation of professionals has become a business imperative. Scholarships, internships, mentorship, and strong education-industry partnerships can create a sustainable pipeline from the classroom to the workforce by removing financial barriers, building real-world skills, and connecting students with meaningful career opportunities. When employers, educators, manufacturers, and industry leaders collaborate through shared apprenticeships, curriculum development, and work-based learning, they do more than fill open positions—they strengthen workforce readiness, improve retention, and invest in the long-term leadership and competitiveness of the HVAC industry.

Bridging the gap between technical education and industry requires more than preparing students for their first job—it requires a sustained partnership between educators, employers, and workforce leaders. When industry actively helps shape education through real-world insights, emerging skill requirements, and meaningful opportunities, graduates enter the workforce better equipped with both technical expertise and essential professional capabilities. This collaboration strengthens talent pipelines, supports organizational growth, and prepares the next generation to adapt to evolving technologies and workforce demands. Ultimately, aligning education with industry practice is not simply a workforce initiative; it is a strategic investment in people, businesses, and the communities they serve.

After over three decades of experience in welding, fabrication, and technical education, I’ve taken the time to reflect on my journey, the people I’ve mentored, and the impact I’ve made across industries. From building programs and businesses to shaping future tradespeople, it’s been an incredibly rewarding career. Here is my biography.

Larry Edwin Shoemaker is a trailblazer in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry, with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, educator, and advocate. As the founder and president of Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, he has grown his company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, employing 46 professionals across plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. Beyond his business success, Larry is a passionate educator, serving as the National Education Board Chair for PHCC and Director of Education for PHCCLV, where he mentors the next generation of tradespeople. A champion of industry standards and community engagement, Larry’s leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on the trade and those who work within it.