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, future-ready career paths without the
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 degree track, allowing graduates to
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 and New Opportunities for Trades
Bridging the Skilled Gap: The Importance of Partnerships Between Education and Industry
Bridging the Skilled Gap: The Importance of Partnerships Between Education and Industry In today’s fast-changing job market, traditional education alone is not enough to prepare students for the workforce. With a skilled labor shortage, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are stepping up to
Women in the Trades: How to Start a Skilled Trades Career
Women in the Trades: How to Start a Skilled Trades Career If you’re a woman exploring career options, consider adding the skilled trades to your list of options! Jobs in the trades, like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, for example, offer something that many
Five Reasons Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Companies Should Support Philanthropic Efforts
Five Reasons Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Companies Should Support Philanthropic Efforts The skilled trades industry is facing a growing skilled workforce gap. With fewer young people entering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers to replace retiring technicians, companies across the country are feeling the pressure
Trades Talk – April 2025
Thank you to all the schools that applied for the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants! Please check our website on National Skills Trades Day (May 7th) to see the list of this year’s recipients. Last Chance to Register for the
Explore The Trades Connects with Education Leaders at the National School Boards Association Conference
Explore The Trades was proud to attend the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference in Atlanta, GA—a gathering that brought together school board members, administrators, and education leaders from across the country. Executive Director Kate Cinnamo, Board of Trustees President Lara Beltz (owner of Beltz
Debunking the Five Biggest Myths About Working in the Trades
Careers in the trades—such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC—are not only essential but offer lucrative and fulfilling opportunities. Despite growing demand and high earning potential, trades careers continue to be misunderstood. In this article, we’ll break down five of the most common myths about