TUSCUMBIA — A groundbreaking pathway for local students to enter high-demand, high-skill technical careers is being paved at Deshler High School.

The school’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning has been certified by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, the state Department of Workforce announced.

This program offers students articulated credit into the POWER5 HVAC apprenticeship at Northwest Shoals Community College — Alabama’s first competency-based, hands-on HVAC apprenticeship. After completing the pre-apprenticeship, students can apply to become registered apprentices with POWER5 employers. The credit earned shortens the time needed to complete the full apprenticeship, helping employers gain skilled journeyworkers faster.

“We’re incredibly excited to see Deshler High School launch the first certified pre-apprenticeship HVAC program of its kind north Alabama,” said AOA Director Meredith Smith. “This initiative marks a major step forward in our continued efforts to connect high school students with real-world career pathways and ensure that our employer partners benefit from a new pipeline of young, motivated talent.

“It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when education and industry come together to invest in the future workforce.”

The Deshler High School HVAC Youth Pre-Apprenticeship is part of a larger effort to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Alabama and ensure the state’s workforce remains competitive in key technical fields.