ORANGE, Calif. — Fieldpiece Instruments Inc. has announced the winners of its third annual #MasteroftheTrade program. Six students have been selected to either receive $2,500 each to fund their continued education in HVACR, or get an in-kind donation of tools to jump-start their careers.

Administered through SkillsUSA, the #MasteroftheTrade program aims to help bridge the talent gap in the U.S. labor market for HVACR technicians by providing financial support to individuals pursuing a future in the industry. The winners of this program demonstrate exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to their craft, embodying Fieldpiece’s spirit of excellence, a press release from Fieldpiece said.

“We are thrilled to give back to our industry by awarding tuition or tools to these up-and-coming HVACR professionals,” said Tony Gonzalez, director of training at Fieldpiece. “There is a common thread of curiosity, problem-solving skills, understanding of craftsmanship, and desire to embrace challenges among the selected recipients that ensures a bright future in HVACR. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”

The six accomplished SkillsUSA students selected to receive the 2024 #MasteroftheTrade award are: Cole Kelly of Billerica, Massachusetts; Colton Rentschler of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania; Cadin Blais of Watertown, South Dakota; Mohamed Deyab of Harlingen, Texas; Peyton Hoenig of Asheboro, North Carolina; and John Chaney of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Fieldpiece will also award $10,000 to the top-ranking high school and postsecondary students in the HVACR category at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in June.

Fieldpiece introduced the #MasteroftheTrade program in 2022 to address the growing need for skilled HVACR technicians. The program has become an integral part of the company's commitment to supporting education and workforce development in the industry, the company’s press release said.