A. O. Smith awards winners of PHCC Educational Foundation scholarships

ASHLAND CITY, TN — A. O. Smith announced today the winners of two $2,500 scholarships for students pursuing plumbing-heating-cooling related studies.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation directs the scholarship program and is responsible for selecting the award winners. The scholarship program aims at attracting new talent essential to the future of the plumbing and HVACR industry.

The 2016 scholarship recipients are apprentices Scott Perkins and Jesus Prudencio.

Scott Perkins of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is working for Atomic Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Corporation and is enrolled in the plumbing apprentice program at Norfolk Technical Vocational Center. To pursue his career goal of becoming a master plumber, Perkins plans to use the scholarship to support his continued education.

“Going to school will give me the confidence and knowledge to leave customers 100 percent satisfied,” said Perkins. “Through this program, I will also have the opportunity to teach new apprentices what I have learned.”

Jesus Prudencio of San Diego, California, is working for Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electrical and is enrolled in the apprentice program at PHCC Academy of San Diego.

“I feel that being awarded a scholarship is a stepping stone in my career and will help me along the way to achieve my goals,” said Prudencio.

Upon completion of the four-year apprentice program, Prudencio hopes to receive a journeyman license and one day own his own plumbing company.

“This is a program that is near and dear to our hearts,” said David Chisolm, vice president of marketing for A. O. Smith. “Supporting the studies of these students is significant to ensuring not only their professional success but also gives us an opportunity to invest in the future of the industry.”

To qualify for a PHCC Educational Foundation scholarship, students must submit a detailed application including a letter of recommendation from an active member of the PHCC—National Association and enroll in a plumbing-heating-cooling related course of study or apprentice program such as business management, construction management or science specializing in mechanical construction or mechanical engineering.