The collaboration accelerates access, affordability and innovation in NexTech Academy’s technical training curricula across the HVAC, plumbing and electrical businesses.
The Nexstar Network today announced an expanded partnership with SkillCat, a commerce innovator and strategic partner of Nexstar. This collaboration combines Nexstar’s member-delivered training through the NexTech Academy platform and SkillCat’s mobile-first workforce development platform to create the industry’s first scalable, accessible and affordable training ecosystem for the skilled trades.
By combining Nexstar’s trusted technical training with SkillCat’s state-of-the-art delivery tools, the partnership aims to reduce barriers to entry, improve upskilling pathways and get more people into trades – supporting long-term industry growth through increased workforce accessibility and retention.
SkillCat will lead the future development and expansion of NexTech Academy, allowing Nexstar to continue its focus and refinement to deliver the best business, leadership, front-line training and proven services to its members.
“This innovative partnership enables Nexstar and SkillCat to focus on what each of us does best while providing deeper service to our members and transactions,” said Julian Scadden, President and CEO of Nexstar Network. “SkillCat provides a dynamic, scalable experience that helps learners succeed at every stage of their careers – from entry level, to apprenticeship, to credentials. By combining our strengths, this partnership provides expanded training access to the broader craft community while continuing to provide a seamless experience for our members.”
What Nexstar members can expect
Scadden noted that members with a NexTech subscription will continue to have full access to the same proprietary and relevant technical training platform during the transition, as well as additional benefits powered by SkillCat including:
Access to 300,000+ active job seekers on the SkillCat network; Additional access to essential certifications (EPA 608/609, NATE, OSHA-10/30) through SkillCat’s mobile-first training platform; Over 500 additional hours of technical training content; SkillCat mobile learning app for flexible training on the go; Customized learning plans and pre-employment assessments; Customized videos, manuals, error codes and troubleshooting guides.
“Our founding vision is to help more than one million people build successful careers in the trades,” said Ruchir Shah, CEO and Founder of SkillCat. “Partnering more deeply with Nexstar allows us to accelerate our mission. As we enhance our technology with NexTech’s unparalleled expertise and community of independent members, together we are excited to open more paths to deals and support more success stories with every interaction.”
Scadden estimates by mid-2026, NexTech Academy and SkillCat will have completed their efforts to combine the member-owned organization’s proven training content with SkillCat’s innovative delivery model and enhanced educational offerings. Nexstar training and mentoring events outside of NexTech will remain available exclusively to Nexstar members.
“This is an exciting development as two of the best technical training programs in our industry build something stronger, better and well-suited for the future,” Scadden added. “Our members will continue to receive the exclusive content and support they have come to rely on through a platform designed to scale their success.”
About the Nexstar Network
Minnesota-based Nexstar Network was founded as a member-owned company in 1992 to help PCHE home service business owners discover their success through education and engagement. With more than 800 members and 100 employees, the Nexstar network provides professional coaching, expert coaching, and valuable resources to help the world’s best traders become the world’s best entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.NexstarNetwork.com and join the Nexstar professional community on LinkedIn.
About SkillCat
SkillCat is the online trade school designed for the modern workforce. We provide affordable, accessible, mobile-first training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other skilled trades – helping anyone start or advance their career from their phone.
Through accredited training courses, industry-recognized certifications, hands-on simulations, and nationwide employer partnerships, SkillCat works to remove barriers and bring more people into careers at scale. Our mission is simple: make world-class technical education accessible to everyone, foster a skilled workforce, and help companies hire and upskill with confidence.
Learn more at SkillCatapp.com or download the SkillCat app on iOS and Android.
Media Contact: Kim Harbinson, (email protected)
