The demand for skilled tradespeople in Virginia is on a steady rise, reflecting a pressing need across various industries. Statistics reveal that approximately 62% of trades professions in Virginia are facing the challenge of filling vacant positions and this shortage is not only a local issue but a statewide concern. As Loudoun County’s landscape undergoes continuous expansion and development, the demand for skilled tradespeople will only escalate further.
AllTech Academy’s classroom with functional HVAC equipment.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and in a position to implement strategic measures to bridge the skills gap, AllTech, a local leader in heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services, created AllTech Academy, a state-of-the-art training facility where students learn and work under a paid apprenticeship, all within the boundaries of their Sterling-based headquarters. AllTech Academy held its inaugural class in June of 2022 and now students from their fall class, which kicked off in November 2023, are scheduled to graduate on April 4.
“No one is getting into the trades anymore,” said Abe Zarou, president and owner of AllTech. “We wanted to do something where we are giving back, hiring local, and serving local people. We noticed there was a dire need for skilled trades in this space, especially in this county.”
Investing in vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and skill development initiatives is crucial to nurturing a pipeline of skilled tradespeople to meet the demands of Virginia’s evolving economy. However, such opportunities are lacking locally. This is where AllTech Academy stands out in Loudoun. While trades programs are accessible to high school students across different schools, notably at the Academies of Loudoun, adult learners seeking trades skills, particularly in HVAC and plumbing, often have to commute to Laurel Ridge Community College in Warrenton or further.
“This is a real, paid apprenticeship,” shared Zarou. “It’s a major investment for people to do it on their own, especially with having to purchase their own tools and pay tuition. Many people that work full time only have time to learn new skills after work. But for our students, this is work. They are here 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. They get the best tools—top names for tools—that they keep throughout their careers. And they learn from the best.”
The AllTech Innovation Pod is a real-world learning environment for AllTech Academy’s students.
While AllTech Academy is the brainchild of Zarou, it is Jason Andes, AllTech Field Services Manager and Director of the academy, who runs the show. With 14 years of field experience, Andes takes pride in doing hard work and being able to teach skills that he is passionate about. In addition to using functional and live pressurized evaporator coils, hot water heaters, condenser units, and zoning systems for instruction, Andes has created a diagnostic table and breakdown bench to practice fixing smaller parts. He also spearheaded the creation and implementation of the AllTech Innovation Pod, a condition space similar to a basement, or crawlspace, where students gain real-world experience in a simulated, onsite, home-utility environment.
“We’re not just going through the book,” said Andes. “We hit all three aspects of learning: audio, visual, and sensory. We’re in class Monday and Friday but Tuesday through Thursday, students are doing ridealongs with technicians in real-life scenarios. It’s the same when they graduate. Employees have support at every level from field supervisors and coaches because support from all levels is the only way to succeed.”
AllTech Academy is set up in a way that students avoid culture shock when they evolve from students to employees. Both Zarou and Andes share the role of servant leaders by offering reminders of the company’s core values and mission, teaching and encouraging students and employees to offer customers explanations and solutions to their problems, and remind them to help by doing.
The academy maintains a rigorous selection procedure for admission, recognizing the substantial investment made in each student. Upon graduation, students not only attain an EPA Section 608 Certification but also earn a NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Certification, offering them a significant head start in their careers. Furthermore, Zarou is currently pursuing accreditation via Virginia Works, paving the way for journeyman licensing in as little as two years.
Through programs such as these, Loudoun County can ensure sustained growth and #LoudounPossible prosperity while fostering a vibrant trades workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow’s economy.
AllTech is currently recruiting for its next class, which begins in May. Interested individuals should go to the AllTech Academy website for more information.
