Michael Carter of Virginia Named PHCC’s Plumbing Instructor of the Year

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Honoring those who have dedicated their careers to enriching the lives of plumbing students, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) named Michael Carter its 2024 Plumbing Instructor of the Year. The award—sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool—was presented at PHCC CONNECT 2024.

Changing Lives

An instructor at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, “Mike Carter is the kind of instructor who changes lives,” write those who nominated him for this prestigious award. “The school where Mike teaches faces the worst kind of challenges: poverty, language barriers, drugs, and gang violence. He offers a haven and a pathway to betterment.”

Carter’s teaching approach in plumbing is deeply rooted in his own experience, which began by working alongside his father in a comprehensive plumbing business. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience working for others and operating his own business. This background influences how he structures his classes, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning to ensure his students are prepared for real-world scenarios.

High Standards, High Demand

For the past five years, Carter has been fulfilling his dream as an instructor at Gar-Field and currently has 80 students enrolled as first- and second-year students. Last year, he had to turn away 100 students due to lack of capacity. Carter’s high expectations create a competitive and serious learning environment where students must demonstrate their commitment to remain in his class. “We have a demand for these classes, and I tell them to leave if they aren’t serious because I have a lot of other kids who want that seat,” he says.

To reinforce those standards, Carter insists on punctuality, adherence to rules, and high-performance standards, which he models through his own behavior. “Everything that happens in my class is meant to prepare them for what’s going to happen outside,” he says. To remain in class, students must arrive on time, change into work-appropriate clothes, remove watches and jewelry, tie back hair, and eliminate any dangling clothing. Cell phones are prohibited, and inappropriate language is not tolerated.

Carter’s immersive, hands-on approach to the curriculum ensures that his students are not only skilled but also prepared for the realities of a plumbing career. His focus on quality, safety, tool orientation and code knowledge, and project-based learning aims to produce proficient and reliable plumbers who are capable of handling real-world challenges effectively.

Comprehensive Education with Limited Resources

“He has done an exceptional job partnering with PHCC, vendors, and contractors to deliver top-quality tools, materials, and job placements for his students,” says Edgar Galeano, a territory manager for Milwaukee Tool. “On top of that, he invests his personal time and resources to deliver an impactful learning experience for the students.

Indeed, by bringing in materials from his past business, engaging local contractors, and securing donations from suppliers and manufacturers, Carter ensures his students receive a comprehensive education despite a limited budget.

“If you have ever had the privilege of an instructor who introduced you to a subject, imparted knowledge, and boosted your confidence in the field, you can appreciate how special Michael Carter is to his students,” adds PHCC of Virginia Executive Director Susan Milhoan. “Mike is not only an educator in the classroom and labs but also a mentor who equips his students with essential life skills for their future success.”