As we celebrate Workforce Development Month this September, the partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and Horne Heating & Air Conditioning demonstrates how collaboration between nonprofits and employers can create life-changing opportunities while addressing critical workforce needs.
For years, Goodwill’s Construction & Trade Skills training program has helped prepare individuals for careers in the skilled trades, connecting graduates with employers who are committed to developing talent. Horne Heating & Air Conditioning has been one of those valued partners, providing graduates with opportunities to launch careers, gain stability, and build a brighter future.
General Manager at Horne, Nia Danner, says the company’s partnership with Goodwill has become an important part of its talent development strategy, the ultimate goal being to hire students from this program.
“One of our strongest efforts has been partnering with programs like Goodwill to find talent,” Danner said. “These programs have really worked closely with their participants to ensure they are ready for the industry they are working towards.”
As Horne grows, identifying candidates with both technical knowledge and professional skills remains a challenge. The company is often looking for individuals who can thrive in dynamic roles that require expertise in the field as well as strong communication and computer skills.
“As we continue to grow and look to bring on more talent, the challenge is finding someone for more ‘bridge’ or supportive roles, where they need a strong technical basis along with strong computer skills,” Danner stated. “Someone who can be in both office and in the truck.”
Beyond technical capabilities, Horne focuses on building a culture where team members feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow. The company reinforces that commitment through ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring employees continue building their skills throughout their careers.
To further strengthen its workforce pipeline, Horne launched the Horne Tech Academy, an intensive 8-to-10-week training program that prepares entry-level candidates for residential HVAC and plumbing careers. With an 80% success rate, the program has become another powerful pathway into the trades.
According to Danner, one of the strengths of the Goodwill partnership is the organization’s willingness to actively collaborate with employers to ensure its programs align with industry needs.
“We appreciate that Goodwill and its program coordinators are always seeking insight from their employer partners,” she said. “Being able to provide insight makes us more confident in the students and their capabilities once they graduate and are ready to be hired.”
Through partnerships like this, Goodwill and Horne are helping develop the next generation of skilled trade professionals while creating opportunities for individuals to achieve economic mobility. During Workforce Development Month, we are proud to celebrate employers like Horne who share our commitment to investing in talent, strengthening our workforce, and building a stronger community for all.
