Lutz Plumbing Builds 'Complete Technicians' Through Structured Apprenticeship Program

San Francisco company shifts from informal, learn-as-you-go training to a multilayered approach focused on culture, technical skills, and long-term career progression.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Facing an aging workforce and rising customer expectations, Lutz Plumbing in San Francisco overhauled its training program to develop a new generation of 'complete technicians.' Rather than relying solely on ride-alongs and on-the-job exposure, the company built a structured apprenticeship program that blends technical instruction, soft skills development, and a strong focus on the company's culture and values. The goal is to create technicians who are not just skilled at plumbing, but also professional, adaptable, and able to operate with a high degree of independence.

Why it matters

As retirements pick up and fewer young workers enter the trades, plumbing companies are under pressure to rethink how they train and develop new technicians. Lutz Plumbing's approach highlights the importance of defining a company's culture and values upfront, and then using that as the foundation for a comprehensive training program that prepares technicians for long-term success.

The details

Lutz Plumbing's apprenticeship program starts with a strong emphasis on the company's culture and values, including traits like accountability, professionalism, and respect. These are treated as baseline requirements, not skills to be developed later. Technical competency is then built on top of that foundation, with apprentices receiving hands-on instruction, participating in shop-based simulations, and going on ride-alongs with experienced technicians. The goal is to develop 'complete technicians' who not only have strong plumbing skills, but also possess the soft skills, business acumen, and independence to essentially run their own business out of a company truck.

  • Lutz Plumbing overhauled its training program in response to an aging workforce and retirements.
  • The company started its new apprenticeship program with three apprentices.

The players

Lutz Plumbing Inc.

A local plumbing company in San Francisco that provides essential services such as clean water, reliable heating, and improved water quality.

Phil Hotarek

The Vice President of Lutz Plumbing Inc. who led the overhaul of the company's training program.

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What they’re saying

“We made a commitment to identify the culture that we want. Anybody who was going to stay on board had to buy into that culture. If they didn't buy into it, they didn't stay.”

— Phil Hotarek, Vice President, Lutz Plumbing Inc.

“It's not just customer-facing. It's inclusive of our trade. We provide essential services — toilets, running water, heating and comfort. That's safety.”

— Phil Hotarek, Vice President, Lutz Plumbing Inc.

What’s next

Lutz Plumbing plans to continue evolving its apprenticeship program by using feedback data to identify different learning styles and create more flexible training modules to better support individual apprentices.

The takeaway

Lutz Plumbing's comprehensive approach to training highlights the importance of defining a company's culture and values upfront, and then using that as the foundation for developing well-rounded technicians who are prepared for long-term success in the trades.