In Paul Denham’s view, working in Skilled Trades is more than a job.

It’s a career.

An HVAC Technician can do good work, rise through ranks and eventually become a Project Manager, he said.

For many young people, working in Skilled Trades is increasingly seen as a more appealing option than pursuing a college education and possibly getting saddled with debt, said Denham, President and CEO of Southern Air, an HVAC company based in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“It’s a noble profession to go into,” Denham said. “I think we’re seeing the beginning of a trend (in which) people see it as a worthy venture for them to pursue.” 

Ramping up Apprenticeship Programs like this one is a goal of the Trump Administration. 

As a part of an Executive Order announced in April, President Trump directed his Administration to develop a plan within 120 days to create Apprenticeship opportunities for more than one million people. 

As part of this effort, the Administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 would require States to spend 10% of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Workforce Training Funds on Apprenticeship Programs, although the impact of that carve-out could be reduced by a proposed $1.64 billion cut to the DOL’s Workforce Development Budget. 

The Administration’s focus on Apprenticeships comes at a time when a shortage of skilled trade persists and young people appear to be more interested in choosing careers where they can use their hands. 

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