Kenneth Midgett, the plumbing and heating instructor with Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Schnecksville, was nationally recognized as the 2019 Plumbing Instructor of the Year at the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association’s National Conference on Oct. 4 in Indianapolis, Ind.

The award recognizes instructors who provide the highest standards of training needed to develop tomorrow’s workforce in the plumbing field.

Pennsylvania Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Executive Director Michael McGraw commented on the award.

“I have never met another instructor who cares more about their students than Ken,” McGraw said. “Ken’s passion for our industry, and the way he shares his passion to his students and his student’s parents is immeasurable.

“Being named the PHCC Instructor of the Year says it all and Ken is well deserving of this prestigious award.”

Midgett’s ability to inspire and connect with students comes from his passion for the plumbing and heating industry.

Midgett has more than 30 years experience to share with his students. He is a licensed master plumber and has owned a local plumbing and heating businesses.

“Coach,” as he is affectionately known to his students, has taken those life experiences to create a learning atmosphere in the classroom to inspire his students to excel into successful careers.

Jody-Ann Young, an alumna of the plumbing program at LCTI, affirmed the impact Midgett has had on her life.

“Growing up I did not really have a role model in my life,” Young said.

“When I arrived at LCTI, I was a very shy person and wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life. While in his plumbing lab, I met the best instructor, a role model, and a life coach! If it was not for all of the hard work and his support, I would not be as successful in my career as I am today.”

Midgett’s students are provided with a supportive, innovative, creative, and empowering atmosphere within the classroom.

He believes in working with the community to provide his students the opportunity to learn current industry needs, latest technology, employability skills, internships, and eventually job placement.

The power of working with the community helps address workforce labor shortage issues and providing the highest quality talent to area employers.

Larry Shoemaker, president of Deluxe Heating and Plumbing, Bethlehem, uses the internship program with LCTI.

Shoemaker spoke of his experience with Midgett.

“Ken has raised the bar in one of the top rated tech schools in the country,” Shoemaker said. “The students not only receive some of the best technical training but also get the social, communication, and soft skills to prepare them for the workforce.”

The National Plumbing Instructor of the Year is the second national award Midgett has achieved.

In 2013, he won the NOCTI C. Thomas Olivo Outstanding Service award.

NOCTI, a national technical education assessment organization, awards its highest honor to individuals who have demonstrated leadership in the areas of career and technical education and occupational competency assessment.

Midgett’s goal has not been to achieve national distinction, but simply to inspire, empower, and educate the youth of the Lehigh Valley.