Building the Next Generation of HVAC Techs: Inside Delcastle Technical High School

In this episode, recorded live at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, we sit down with Aaron Wright, HVAC instructor at Delcastle Technical High School, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving vocational program.

We explore:

• How Delcastle's exploratory model lets freshmen sample HVAC alongside other career pathways before committing

• The "GAD score" system schools use to place students into high-demand programs like HVAC

• Turning classroom skills into real jobs through resume prep and interview practice

• Why employer partnerships and structured co-op schedules are key to getting students real-world experience

• The hands-on projects — brazing, electrical, sheet metal — that hook students in just a few days

• How coming up through the trades himself has shaped Aaron's approach to mentoring the next generation of techs

Aaron shares practical advice for instructors, school administrators and industry partners looking to build or strengthen their own CTE and apprenticeship pipelines. If you’re looking to connect with student talent, this episode offers a candid look at what's working on the ground.

#HVAC #CTE #SkillsUSA #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #HVACTechnician

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