ORANGE, Calif. — Fieldpiece Instruments has launched its third annual #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship. Fieldpiece will distribute $25,000 in scholarship funds in 2024, with the support of SkillsUSA, which will collaborate on the program's administration.

The initiative underscores Fieldpiece’s continued commitment to uplifting the HVACR industry it serves, the company said in a press release.

The #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship will support 12 individual recipients with funds earmarked for their education in a college or postsecondary HVACR technology program. Among the winners, six $2,500 criteria-based postsecondary education scholarships will go to SkillsUSA HVAC students and a total of $10,000 in scholarships will go to the six gold-, silver-, and bronze medal-winning high school and college or postsecondary students who top the leaderboards of the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in June.

“As a dedicated champion of the HVACR community, Fieldpiece is committed to fostering the growth of both arising and seasoned professionals in the industry,” said Tony Gonzalez, technical training manager at Fieldpiece. “Fieldpiece empowers tradespeople with innovative test tools, unique programs, and free online resources like Fieldpiece University. Its commitment extends to providing scholarship opportunities, along with the creation of a growing body of educational and informative content designed to equip HVACR professionals with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to excel in their field.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVACR industry is growing faster than average, with more than 300,000 job openings expected by 2032, thanks in large part to a retiring labor force.

“SkillsUSA is thrilled to partner with Fieldpiece Instruments to help roll out its generous scholarships,” said Chelle Travis, executive director at SkillsUSA. “Empowering the next generation of HVACR professionals is vital for the ongoing prosperity of the industry, and Fieldpiece's scholarships play a significant role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow."

#MasteroftheTrade Scholarships applicants must be SkillsUSA members enrolled in its HVACR or general construction programs who are in the high school classes of 2024-25 or 2025-26, and who are planning to study HVACR at the college or postsecondary level. The scholarship application must include a resume and either an essay (300 words or fewer) or a video of between one and three minutes that answers the question: “Why have you chosen a career in HVACR?”

Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be announced on May 16, and scholarships will be awarded based on the merit of their applications, including the essay or video, and the proficiency of the SkillsUSA Framework skills demonstrated in the application materials. To receive the funds, scholarship recipients must provide an acceptance letter from their postsecondary education program or their first semester tuition invoice. The funds will be distributed directly to the school.

The SkillsUSA Championships are the nation’s largest workforce development event for middle-school, high-school, and postsecondary students enrolled in public career and technical education programs. The contests are designed to test the skills needed for successful entry-level performance in given occupational fields. SkillsUSA represents 130 different occupational areas and adds contests to the SkillsUSA Championships each year to meet the demands of new or expanding careers.

In 2024, the SkillsUSA Championships will feature more than 6,000 competitors in 115 hands-on skills and leadership contests. Each contestant will be a gold medalist at the state level.

Visit the #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship webpage for more information.