We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webinars
    • AHR Live 2023
  • PODCASTS
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
Home » LPG Launches Endowment Fund for Post-Secondary Scholarships

LPG Launches Endowment Fund for Post-Secondary Scholarships

September 27, 2019
No Comments
LPG Launches Endowment Fund for Post-Secondary Scholarships

Luxury Products Group (LPG) is demonstrating its commitment to the future of the industry in a very tangible way — by establishing a scholarship fund for students pursuing higher education at colleges, universities or vocational schools.

There has been a dramatic decline in the number of tradespeople in the United States, particularly plumbers. More than half of America’s trade professionals are at or nearing retirement age. The majority of high schools began discontinuing their “shop” classes a decade ago, and teenagers are not being exposed to the opportunities available for a skilled trade workforce.

And the opportunities are ripe. Beyond the current need, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) projects 16 percent employment growth for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters through 2026. Meanwhile, according to a survey from the Copper Development Association, only 3 percent of the surveyed 18- to 25-year-olds would consider a career in the trades. The quest to recruit and retain the right employees is a concern at every level of the plumbing supply channel.

“LPG takes this issue seriously,” said Executive Director Jeff MacDowell. “So when David Hawkins [of David Hawkins Design Group] approached me with an idea to set up a scholarship program for post-secondary students who are interested in careers in our industry, I was wholeheartedly on board.”

The result is the establishment of the LPG-Hawkins Endowment Fund. Hawkins provided seed money and the inaugural scholarship of $500 will be presented at LPG’s 2020 Expo. Applicants should be in the immediate household family of members, vendors and their employees. They must show a proven interest in the decorative bath and kitchen industry, and intend to remain in the industry following completion of their post-secondary education. The winner will be selected by the LPG Advisory Committee.

Hawkins himself has a background in construction, which he said has been a great asset in his showroom design projects. He also has very solid, conservative investment knowledge and will assist in the fund management. Hawkins recently published a book called "Ask the Mailman" that includes a section on stocks and investments.

“This is important for our future,” Hawkins commented. “My goal is that this generates communication between LPG members, their employees and families about career opportunities in the construction industry. We also hope that members and vendors will join in contributing to the fund. As it grows, we will be able to fund the scholarships from dividends it generates without touching the principal. We hope to build a fund that is large enough to support multiple scholarships annually in the years to come.”

MacDowell noted that through this and other initiatives, LPG is preparing members for the future and encouraging a new generation to become part of the plumbing industry.

“LPG is taking the lead in launching programs that provide a greater level of support for its members and vendors,” he said. “The growth of our membership over the past year is a reflection of those efforts. Having an active educational fund will complement our other initiatives and may lead to even more interest in being part of LPG.”

Application forms and complete criteria for the LPG-Hawkins Endowment Fund Scholarship can be accessed on the LPG website.

Apprentice Bath & Kitchen Business Buying Groups Industry Community News Millennials Plumber Plumbing Training & Education Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Related Articles

    LPG Group Opens Scholarship Fund Application

    Luxury Products Group Launches New Podcast Featuring The Emily Post Institute

    Rinnai Announces Partnership with Folds of Honor to Fund Trade School Scholarships

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Chicago Plumber’s Union Dyes Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day 2023

  • Everything You Wanted to Know About Orangeburg Pipe (But Were Afraid To Ask)

  • Vote Now! Plumbing Design of the Year: A Readers’ Choice Award

  • The Basis for Most Plumbing Codes

Featured Video

Caleffi video thumb

The Gold Standard: Separation with NO Compromise

Industry Events

  • 26Mar

    MCAA 2023 Annual Convention

    Phoenix, AZ
  • 29Mar

    2023 SFPE European Conference & Expo

    Berlin ,
  • 11Apr

    ASA ELEVATE2023

    Charleston, SC
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw03 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe03 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc03 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Es 2022
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2023 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing