NEW TO TRADES

Learn about apprenticeships, how to become a licensed professional and why the trades are a great career.

PARENTS AND EDUCATORS

Learn about the growth opportunities, earning potential and importance of the plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades.

OUR IMPACT

Explore The Trades is delivering information about plumbing, HVAC, and electrical directly to students throughout North America.

1900

Schools, businesses & other agencies utilizing our resources

357000

Students impacted by our resources

10 %

U.S. school districts using our materials

Learn about the growth opportunities, earning potential and importance of the plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a time-tested employee training system that combines job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences.

Support the Next Generation of Tradespeople

By donating to Explore The Trades, your gift provides classroom and on-demand resources to educators, young adults, parents, and all those ready to begin a path to career success.

Explore The Trades Updates

Group of young people in technical vocational training with teacher.

Trade Schools on the Rise: Rethinking the Traditional Four-Year Degree

Trade Schools on the Rise: A Smart Alternative to College For decades, the traditional four-year college degree has been considered the default path to success. But today’s job market tells a different story. Skilled trades and vocational training offer fulfilling,

May 21, 2025

Here are the Top 10 Trade Schools in the Country

Here are the Top 10 Trade Schools in the Country Skilled trade schools offer students an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on training and education in their chosen career path. Technical and trade schools boast lower tuition costs and a shorter

May 15, 2025

Trades Talk – May 2025

Happy National Skilled Trades Day from Explore The Trades! Join us in celebrating the trades and the professionals who keep our communities running. Explore The Trades and Ferguson Grow Skilled Trades Education with New Grants to 10 Schools Celebrating Expansion

May 12, 2025

Here's What We're Up To

Join Explore The Trades for a Fishing Fundraiser April 15-18, 2025

Thank you for sharing your interest in joining Explore The Trades for another fishing fundraiser. We’re pleased to share this event with you and appreciate your support of the organization’s mission – to bridge the technical talent gap to the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric.