Building a strong workforce starts long before a technician ever picks up a wrench. With 1 in 3 adults recommending students attend a trade school, support for trades work is continuing to grow.

That’s why Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is continuing its commitment to inspiring the next generation of skilled trade professionals — this time, with a splash. 

ACCA is proud to announce its support of “The Water Came to a Stop”, the debut book in author Ryan Kiscaden’s Next Up Trades Series. The partnership follows ACCA’s sponsorship of “The Air Came to a Stop” and reinforces the organization’s long-term strategy to address the skilled trades workforce shortage by engaging children at the earliest possible age. 

To reach all children and families who might be interested in pursuing careers in the trades, the book is available both in English and Spanish.

“The Water Came to a Stop,” designed for children ages 4–10, introduces young readers to the plumbing trades when a water emergency disrupts a daily routine at home. The technician heroes of Next Up Trades arrive to save the day, teaching children about plumbing systems, problem-solving, and the skilled professionals who keep communities running.   

ACCA believes investments in early workforce inspiration are central to the industry’s future. 

 “The workforce crisis facing the skilled trades isn’t something we can solve overnight — it requires planting seeds today that will grow into careers tomorrow,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. “We are working to meet children where they are and open their eyes to the incredible opportunities that exist in this industry. Workforce development doesn’t always start in a training program; it starts in the imagination of a child.” 

Together, the two books form a powerful, industry-spanning introduction to the trades — covering both plumbing and HVACR — making them an ideal resource for contractors, industry partners, schools, and families who want to inspire the next generation. 

“Every child deserves to see themselves as a future problem-solver, and that includes future plumbers, HVACR technicians, and skilled tradespeople,” said Ryan Kiscaden, author of the series. “With ‘The Water Came to a Stop’, we’re giving kids a window into a world of careers that are rewarding, essential, and full of opportunity. ACCA’s support helps us reach more families and more classrooms, and that means more future trade professionals.” 

ACCA will be hosting a reading campaign in conjunction with National Skilled Trades Day on May 6, 2026. ACCA staff and member contractors will be conducting book readings in schools throughout the U.S. Other HVAC and plumbing industry members are invited to join and help promote the trades with school-aged children. 

ACCA offers reading toolkits for any contractors or industry professionals to use in conducting readings in their communities. Toolkits include coloring sheets and interactive materials for children related to the trades.

Both “The Water Came to a Stop” and “The Air Came to a Stop” are available in paperback and eBook formats on Amazon and through ACCA’s online store, with discounts available for ACCA members. Both titles are also available in Spanish.