Explore The Trades and Ferguson Expand Skilled Trades Education with Grants to 10 Schools
This past National Skilled Trades Day, Explore The Trades and Ferguson announced the latest recipients of the Skills Lab equipment grants—awarding 10 schools with the tools they need to launch or grow a skilled trades program.
Since its start in 2021, the program has made an impact in 17 states, equipping 35 schools with hands-on skilled trades training.
Is there a Skills Lab near you? If you’re a home service company located nearby, we encourage you to reach out and connect! Your industry expertise can help schools bring CTE instruction to life for the next generation of trades professionals.
View the list of recipients and locations with the link below.
(L to R) Photo courtesy of Gateway Regional; photo courtesy of Mayfair School.
Photo courtesy of Woodruff Career and Technical Center, a 2023-2024 Skills Lab recipient.
The Skilled Trades Are A Key Part of the U.S. Economy
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry – including the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades – makes up 4.4% of the U.S. gross domestic product. That’s more than $1.1 trillion in economic output!
These skilled trades are essential to our daily lives and the strength of our economy, which is why it’s critical to inspire and prepare the next generation for these in-demand careers.
Your support makes this possible.
Every donation to Explore The Trades goes directly toward helping educators across the country inspire students and build the future workforce our economy depends on.
Learn more and make a gift with the link below.
The Skilled Trades = STEM Careers
Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work are more than just hands-on jobs—they’re STEM careers that blend science, technology, engineering, and math every day.
Explore The Trades’ free STEM handouts are a great way for your company to educate students, schools, and community partners about the technical expertise behind the trades.
Use them at career fairs, classroom visits, or in your own training programs to highlight the real-world application of STEM in your work.
Download the STEM handouts with the link below!
Bridging Education and Industry for a Stronger Workforce
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs play a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers – but they can’t do it alone.
Strong partnerships between schools and industry leaders ensure students gain real-world skilled, hands-on experience, and career guidance. Our latest blog explores why these collaborations matter and how to build them successfully.
Read the full post to learn how education and industry can join forces to close the skilled labor gap.
Donors of Explore The Trades support the next generation of tradespeople and the legacy of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades.
To our supporters, we thank you.
To learn more about supporting Explore The Trades and its donors, click the link below.