The Air Came to a Stop

Engage your local community!

Your FUTURE technician is in elementary school RIGHT NOW, and they’re ALREADY deciding what kind of work matters.

Backed by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Next Up Trades program gives contractors a simple, authentic way to introduce kids to the trades and build the pipeline of the next generation of tradespeople. Grab a single copy of a book to share with your family or friends, or get your hands on a discovery kit to help represent the trades in your community with pride-early, positively and on their own terms.

The Air Came to a Stop

The Air Came to a Stop

Purchase in English

El Aire Se Detuvo

El Aire Se Detuvo

Purchase in Spanish

The Water Came to a Stop

The Water Came to a Stop

Purchase in English

El Aqua Se Detuvo

El Aqua Se Detuvo

Purchase in Spanish

HVACR and Plumbing Discovery Kits

What’s inside:

  • Two illustrated children’s books by Ryan Kiscaden:
    • The Air Came to a Stop
    • The Water Came to a Stop
  • Ready‑to‑use classroom lesson plans
  • Hands‑on activity sheets (qty. 20)
  • “Draw a technician” worksheet (qty. 20)

Everything you need to start meaningful conversations about the trades—without jargon, pressure, or sales pitches.

Perfect for contractors who want to:

  • Represent the trades at schools and libraries
  • Support community outreach and career awareness
  • Engage employees and their families
  • Create positive, shareable social media moments

Ready to inspire interest in the trades in your community? ACCA can help! Contact customerservice@acca.org for support in getting this program out in your community!

Purchase a Reading Toolkit
Discovery Kits

Built for contractors. Backed by ACCA.

Available now on ACCA’s online store  |  Special pricing for ACCA members  |  Standard (physical kits) and Digital (downloadable) bundle options

The workforce challenge doesn’t start in high school. It starts with curiosity. Put the trades in front of kids—order your kit today!