The Florida Swimming Pool Association has taken a significant step toward helping to solve labor-shortage problems.
The organization now is conducting an apprenticeship program geared specifically to pool and spa service. “FSPA’s Swimming Pool and Spa Servicing Apprenticeship Program will provide members of our association with a powerful means of engaging untapped talent,” said the association’s executive director, Wendy Parker Barsell, in a press release.
“We need to replace the aging workforce in our industry and prepare the future generation of swimming pool and spa service technicians to ensure our field continues to thrive in Florida.”
Announced in January, the program is reportedly the first of its kind and has been approved as part of the registered apprenticeship program conducted by the State of Florida.
For industries, these programs help increase and improve their workforces by developing and applying industry standards to training. Apprentices receive certifications that are recognized nationwide.
Through the program, FSPA will pair apprentices with the owners of pool and spa service companies, who will provide guidance and tutelage. The apprenticeship involves 4,000 hours of structured on-the-job training over two years, during which employers must monitor their apprentices to make sure they are achieving the appropriate skill levels. After completing the apprenticeship and being designated as journeymen, these professionals must complete 144 hours of related instruction each year to maintain their status.
To generate awareness of the program, FSPA plans to advertise on apprenticeship websites, attend job fairs and reach out to high schools, community colleges and trade schools, said FSPA Education Program Manager Mary Anderson. “That’s a great way to reach a certain segment of the population that are actively seeking employment,” she said.
Apprenticeships carry multiple benefits to both employer and employee, she added.
“There are reduced turnover rates because employees are being trained to become efficient on the job,” she said. “There’s increased productivity. I think it also helps the employers lower the cost of seeking new employees and assists them with that training process because now they actually have an outlined program to follow.”
