ACO News: Allied Contracting Organizations Go to Bat for You

Posted on:

August 22, 2023

Helping SCALT Members Get Ahead of the IRA Competition

The Inflation Reduction Act’s generous rebates – up to $14,000 per homeowner – will surely attract new competition. These rebates will be implemented differently by each state’s energy office, so the South Carolina Association of Licensed Trades (SCALT) is fighting to give quality contractors a leg up on the competition.

On June 9th, SCALT welcomed member contractors to participate in a crucial meeting with South Carolina’s Energy Office. Representatives explained the upcoming rebates and how South Carolina contractors can be best equipped and prepared to take full advantage of this opportunity. The Association is working closely with the Energy Office to make sure members are on the front line to receive information on what these rebates are and what they mean for business. Additional meetings are in the works.

Find your state’s energy office and start the conversation at www.naseo.org/members-states.

Maryland Journeyperson Legislation Enacted

On May 3rd, Maryland Governor Wes More signed a bill championed by the Association of Air Conditioning Professionals (AACP) and the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of MD (HACC) to ensure proper training for the HVAC journeyperson license. At the first public bill signing since 2020, AACP Executive Director Peter Constantinou, and HACC Executive Director, Stephanie Anderson represented the two organizations along with their legislative advocates and bill sponsors, Senator Benjamin T. Brooks and Delegate Lily Qi.

The new law brings parity between the apprentices who graduate from an Apprenticeship Program and receive their journeyperson license without having to sit for the exam and individuals who desire to “test out.”

AACP will offer its four-year apprenticeship program virtually for the academic year beginning in September. Although AACP is a Department of Labor registered program sponsor in Maryland and Virginia, they can accommodate apprentices nationwide. Tuition includes textbooks, Microsoft Office 365 software, online learning modules, an AACP email account, and an online On-The-Job Training system to record hours while on the job. Since 1988, over 700 apprentices have graduated from the AACP program and become journeyperson.

Speaking of going to bat for contractors…this year, AACP celebrated 35 apprenticeship graduates with a ceremony at the Bowie Baysox Stadium. Members, graduates, and their families then enjoyed a battle with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and a fireworks display.