DALLAS, TX – Today, UpSmith, Inc. and American Residential Services (ARS/Rescue Rooter) announced a partnership to create high-purpose, high-pay, high-dignity career opportunities for aspiring HVAC technicians in major cities across Texas.
The parties are launching this program through UpSmith’s technology platform – a video-based marketplace connecting talent with employers seeking to identify, qualify, staff, and retain skilled tradespeople. ARS, the nation’s premier provider of residential heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) services, will sponsor candidates sourced through the platform to earn credentials as HVAC technicians via paid 8-week training bootcamps. New hires will earn $20-25/hour depending on previous experience, but no existing credentials are required, only top-tier mindsets, behaviors, and dispositions for work.
“There are nearly one million job openings in Texas, and the best way to attack this crisis is to expand the supply of skilled workers with fast, affordable pathways to jobs of the future,” said UpSmith CEO and Founder, Wyatt Smith. “We are partnering with leading employers and community-based organizations to bring high-purpose, high-pay, high-dignity careers to life.”
“We are excited to announce our partnership with UpSmith in addressing the skilled worker shortage across Dallas and Houston,” said ARS Chief Human Resources Officer, Chris Snow. “With their support, we will be able to provide enhanced services to our valued customers and communities. The ARS Network is proud to pioneer these paid on-ramps to welcome new, hard-working talent into our industry. In addition to creating home services careers, we are inviting bright, ambitious young men and women to build fulfilling careers in a rapidly advancing market.”
Citing Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s mayoral priority to boost upskilling efforts, Dallas’s workforce czar Lynn McBee shared: “Workforce Dallas is committed to helping up to 10,000 residents a year upskill for jobs of the future. UpSmith’s tech platform provides a needed link to employers, and their unique focus on employer-paid training will be a real difference maker for those looking to accelerate their skills to unlock high-purpose, high-dignity work. We are proud to see a technology company headquartered here in Dallas teaming up with America’s premier home services company to jumpstart great careers in our hometown.”
Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins praised the announcement, saying: “Dallas citizens possess unmatched potential, they just need an opportunity to unlock the skills necessary to jump-start their careers. I am pleased UpSmith is launching its workforce training endeavor in North Texas to create pathways for Metroplex residents to gain high-demand credentials in the skilled professions.”
To underscore the value of their community partnership, CitySquare Chief Programs Officer Nadia Salibi noted: “At CitySquare, our programs address inequality in access to housing, food, healthcare, legal services, and employment opportunities. As we strive to remove obstacles for so many of our neighbors, we are excited to partner with UpSmith and empower our neighbors through training that can secure better pay and a rewarding, sustainable career. In the fight to move our neighbors out of poverty into the possibilities everyone deserves to have, equal access to training and building marketable skills is paramount.”
Jubilee Park and Community Center CEO Marissa Castro Mikoy joined the announcement, saying: “Jubilee has long been a believer in adult education to unlock career building opportunities. UpSmith’s mission to create high-purpose careers and promote economic empowerment aligns with ours, and we’re looking forward to connecting our community members in Southeast Dallas to career opportunities on UpSmith’s technology platform.”
Further highlighting UpSmith’s effort to build community partnerships, Trinity Park Conservancy (TPC) CEO Tony Moore emphasized that “Trinity Park Conservancy is proud to endorse the mission of UpSmith as a leader in the workforce development sector. At TPC, we seek to improve the quality of life of our communities by engaging people with parks, nature, and green spaces. Likewise, UpSmith is making a tremendous difference by connecting people to work skills training and access to purposeful, sustainable careers that will enhance their quality of life. Trinity Park Conservancy looks forward to collaborating with UpSmith in their work to positively impact the city of Dallas.”
Speaking to the importance of supporting former interpreters and U.S. government employees who supported our nation’s armed forces abroad, No One Left Behind Executive Director Phil Caruso said, “UpSmith and ARS are bringing needed workforce training to every corner of North Texas, one important group being resettling refugees who were critical to our military’s operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. By extending professional opportunities to every segment of our community, we position Texas as a model for success possible around the country.”
Candidates interested in careers as HVAC technicians should visit UpSmith.com to learn more and apply to build their futures.
UpSmith and ARS will host a press conference at CitySquare (1610 S Malcolm X Blvd, Dallas, TX 75226) at 9:00a CDT today, August 22, 2022.
About UpSmith
UpSmith is a venture-backed technology company addressing labor shortages, initially focusing on serving skilled trades companies across the United States.
The company develops software to maximize workforce productivity: For every $10 invested in Boost, UpSmith aims to generate $100+ in customer value. For more, visit the UpSmith website, review testimonials on its blog, or email demo@upsmith.com to get started. For media inquiries, contact press@upsmith.com. Media kit (logos and videos) available here.
About American Residential Services (ARS)
ARS is the nation’s premier provider of HVAC services. Based in Memphis, TN, the privately-owned company operates a network of more than 70 locally managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. ARS serves residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, electrical and ventilation services.
