When the older generations of tradesmen age out of the trades and retire, who will fill the gap? For upcoming HVAC and plumbing pros, Bernzomatic is hoping to jump-start the scene by funding more than 50 new scholarships for students pursuing these fields. We’ll explore what this scholarship offers qualifying applicants and how you can apply today!
Bernzomatic Joins PHCC Scholarship Program
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) National Association Educational Foundation announced that Bernzomatic is the newest major sponsor for its scholarship program. The company will fund more than 50 new scholarships through 2029 for prospective HVAC or plumbing students pursuing apprenticeships, training, or college degrees related to these fields.
What’s Being Offered?
In 2026, Bernzomatic is offering 18 awards, including three $5,000 scholarships to selected winners.
However, that’s just scratching the surface of what the PHCC Foundation has to offer. Here’s a rundown of the other scholarships you can find through this foundation this year from all of its sponsors.
- A.O. Smith – Two Awards
- Bernzomatic – Eighteen Awards, including three $5,000 scholarships
- Bradford White – Five Awards
- Delta Faucet Company – Six Awards
- Ferguson Cares Foundation, HOLA Business Resource Group – Four Awards
- Home Depot PRO – Four Awards
- HomeServe – Nine Awards
- InSinkErator – Two Awards
- RIDGID – Three Awards
- State Water Heaters – One Award
- Additional awards are sponsored by Bill Jones, Gerry Kennedy, the Gil Meyerowitz estate, PHCC of Massachusetts Auxiliary, and the PHCC Past National Officers
In total, the PHCC foundation plans to award up to 80 scholarships in 2026, with funding of up to $200,000 available to award winners.
Who is Eligible?
The PHCC scholarships target plumbing and HVAC trade school students, as well as college students pursuing studies related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.
Applicants must be legal United States residents currently enrolled or planned to enroll in one of the following:
- A PHCC-approved apprentice program
- A full-time certificate or degree program at an accredited institution, with a major directly related to the P-H-C profession
- A full-time undergraduate degree at an accredited institution, with a major directly related to the P-H-C profession
A maximum of four employees from any one employer are eligible for an award in any given year.
This offer is also available to Canadian citizen apprentices enrolled in an approved plumbing or HVACR program. Canadian applicants must also be working full-time for a licensed contractor who is a member of the PHCC National Association.
How to Apply
The scholarship application involves completing the online application form, uploading a letter of recommendation from an employer, and answering the five questions on the application page about their background and interests.
PHCC says that the answers to these questions are what make the most impact on whether an applicant will receive a scholarship or not, so applicants are encouraged to prepare these answers carefully.
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is May 1, 2026. Applicants with the highest average scores are paired with the available awards. Winners of these scholarships will be notified in early August 2026.
