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EXPLORE THE TRADES
Encouraging Careers in HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical
At Explore The Trades, our mission is to connect you with rewarding careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. These essential industries offer high demand, high wage, and long-term job security. Learn more about our resources!
Taking the Next Steps After High School or Considering a Career Change? We Can Help.
Check out the sections below to find the information that’s right for you:
OUR IMPACT
We deliver information about plumbing, HVAC, & electrical directly to students throughout North America
Schools, businesses & other agencies utilizing our resources
Students impacted by our resources
U.S. school districts using our materials
Learn more about the growth opportunities, earning potential, and importance of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades:
Plumbing
Plumbing
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electrical
electrical
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hvac
hvac
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customer service & dispatch
customer service & dispatch
learn moreTrades Career Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a time-tested employee training system that combine job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences. They’re a great way to get your foot in the trades career door!
Interested in exploring apprenticeship and trade school options?
You Can Support the Next Generation of Tradespeople
By donating to Explore The Trades, your gift provides classroom and on-demand resources to educators, young adults, and parents. There are many ways to encourage career success with Explore The Trades:
Explore The Trades Updates
Explore Your Impact – October 2025
ONE MILLION STUDENTS IMPACTED! Because of generous donor support, more than ONE MILLION students have discovered the trades! Thanks to donors like you, Explore The Trades’ classroom resources now reach 21.7% of U.S. public school districts — that’s 2,893 nationwide. Join
Trades Talk – October 2025
Now Open: Skills Lab Equipment Grant Applications! Explore The Trades is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grant program! This initiative – proudly built in partnership with
The Toolbelt Generation: Gen Z is Exploring the Trades
The Toolbelt Generation: Gen Z is Exploring the Trades College degrees have long been seen as the golden ticket to career security. However, a new wave of young people is rejecting this traditional path by turning to blue-collar jobs with
Here's What We're Up To
Join Explore The Trades for a Fishing Fundraiser April 15-18, 2025
The Right Career. The Right Support. The Right Time.
Right Job.
Right Guidance.
Right Now.
Unsure where to begin? Let us help you navigate the path to a successful career in the trades
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trades
What Are Trades Careers?
Trades careers refer to hands-on, skilled jobs in fields like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. These careers offer great pay, job security, and a direct path from training to the workforce (often without the need for a four-year college degree).
What Types of Trades Are There?
There are many types of trades across industries, but core skilled trades include plumbing, heating and cooling (HVAC), and electrical. These roles are essential to everyday life and offer future-proof career opportunities.
Where Can I Learn a Trade?
You can learn a trade through high school technical programs, community colleges, trade schools, and registered apprenticeships. Explore The Trades connects students and educators with free resources and guidance to start that journey.
How Do I Know Which Trade is Right For Me?
Each trade fits different strengths and interests. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and making a real impact, take our career quiz to discover which trade might be your perfect fit.
Can I Become a Plumber, Electrician, and HVAC Technician All at Once?
Yes, it’s possible to be a “Jack of all Trades,” especially in the service sector. While gaining proficiency in all three trades takes time and cross-training, it can significantly enhance your career prospects. Cross-trained technicians enjoy increased job security, higher earning potential, and more opportunities for advancement. However, you’ll need to meet licensing requirements for each trade, which may require extensive experience and education.