FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2025
Deshler High School Launches First Youth Pre-Apprenticeship in HVAC for North Alabama
TUSCUMBIA — On July 9, 2025, Deshler High School’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) was certified by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA), creating a groundbreaking pathway for local students to enter high-demand, high-skill technical careers.
This program offers students articulated credit into the POWER5 HVAC apprenticeship at Northwest Shoals Community College—Alabama’s first competency-based, hands-on HVAC apprenticeship. After completing the pre-apprenticeship, students can apply to become registered apprentices with POWER5 employers. The credit earned shortens the time needed to complete the full apprenticeship, helping employers gain skilled journeyworkers faster.
“We’re incredibly excited to see Deshler High School launch the first certified pre-apprenticeship HVAC program of its kind north Alabama,” said AOA Director, Meredith Smith. “This initiative marks a major step forward in our continued efforts to connect high school students with real-world career pathways and ensure that our employer partners benefit from a new pipeline of young, motivated talent. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when education and industry come together to invest in the future workforce.”
The Deshler High School HVAC Youth Pre-Apprenticeship is part of a larger effort to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Alabama and ensure the state’s workforce remains competitive in key technical fields.
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About Deshler High School:
Deshler High School, located in Tuscumbia, Alabama, is committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life through innovative programs and strong partnerships with local industry.
About The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship:
The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) aims to expand the use of registered apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning. Collaborating with employers and training providers across the state, AOA develops high-quality career training to foster the prosperity of workers and employers, contributing to the continued economic development of Alabama.
About the Alabama Department of Workforce:
The Alabama Department of Workforce leads statewide efforts to strengthen workforce readiness, career pathways, and economic opportunity. As part of this mission, ALDOW oversees initiatives like the Alabama STEM Council, ensuring that education and industry remain aligned to meet the state’s evolving needs. Last year’s “Alabama Workforce Transformation Act” legislation added to and renamed the Department of Labor as the Alabama Department of Workforce.
Members of the media seeking more information should contact Communications Director Tara Hutchison.
An Equal Opportunity Employer / Program
2025-08-22 19:48:00