Representing the plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders, and pipeliners across North America, the UA plays a leading role in recruiting, training, and connecting the next generation of skilled trades professionals. With more than 3,000 employer partners including industry leaders such as ACCA, Carrier, Johnson Controls, EMCOR, McKinstry, and Trane, the UA helps prepare technicians for some of the most in-demand careers in the industry.

This demand is urgent: UA partners project a need for 30,000 HVACR professionals in the next 12 months due to both industry growth and retirements. To help meet this need, the UA is actively working with HVACR educational programs to connect students and graduates with employers eager to hire.

Many HVACR instructors strive to place students in the best careers available but lack the time and industry connections to reach the right employers. By sponsoring the National HVACR Education Conference, the UA is helping bridge this gap, providing educators, trainers, and programs with direct access to workforce development opportunities and top employers.

During the conference, the UA and its employer partners through the MCAA/MSCA will co-present a session Placing Your Students with Leading Employers. This will help HVACR educators and school administrators understand the opportunities, and how to connect their programs with these leading employers. Educators and program directors will also have the chance to meet UA representatives in the exposition hall, where they can learn more about partnerships, advanced placement opportunities, and workforce solutions.

If you are looking to build stronger employer connections, this conference is the perfect opportunity to elevate student placement outcomes and strengthen your program’s reputation. We invite you to come attend to learn, but also make these essential connections, thanks to the sponsorship of the United Association.

Join us March 22–25, 2026, for the National HVACR Education Conference and make the connection that could define your students’ careers. Register here.