Trades Talk – May 2026

EXPLORE THE TRADES
| May 7, 2026
| Blog, Trades Talk - Newsletters

Happy National Skilled Trades Day from Explore The Trades!

We’re celebrating the next generation of skilled professionals who are learning, building, and powering the future.

Explore The Trades and Ferguson Grow Skilled Trades Education with New Grants to 18 Schools

Record-Breaking Interest Highlights Growing Momentum for Career and Technical Education

In celebration of National Skilled Trades Day on May 6, 2026, Explore The Trades announced the newest recipients of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants.

More than 2,100 students will be impacted in the coming school year through 18 newly selected schools, chosen from a record number of applications. Since launching in 2021, the program has delivered equipment to 49 high schools and 4 middle schools across 21 states, impacting a total of over 5,500 students.

To see this year’s list of recipients click the link below.

Contractor Toolkit: Turning Education Partnership
into Impact

Strong school-and-industry partnerships don’t just happen, they’re built with intention, tools, and shared investment in the future workforce.

The Contractor Toolkit is designed to help contractors and trade professionals connect with local schools. The toolkit offers practical guidance for starting conversations and building meaningful, career-connected relationships.

Explore the toolkit and download your copy below.

Fishing Fundraiser a
“Reel” Success!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Explore The Trades Fishing Fundraiser.

Your participation and generosity make a meaningful difference in our work to bridge the technical talent gap in the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades.

Because of you, we’re continuing to spark interest in the skilled trades and inspire the next generation of professionals to explore rewarding, hands‑on careers.

To learn more about our mission and how you can continue to make an impact, click the link below.

Special thanks to UpSmith for their sponsorship of the event!

Explore The Trades & NCCER to Partner at ASCA Conference

Explore The Trades is excited to share that we’ll be exhibiting at the American School Counselor Association Conference in New Orleans, July 11–14, along with NCCER.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with both organizations and learn more about how we support career pathways into the skilled trades.

We’re also excited to offer our newly created Explore The Trades + NCCER Co‑Kit, a downloadable collection of resources designed to help school counselors introduce students to careers in construction and the skilled trades.

If you’re attending ASCA, be sure to stop by and see us at Booth 925!

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

Rosa Dunn, Connections Coordinator at Explore The Trades presented at a National Apprenticeship Week event at Halifax County High School, hosted by the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. Joined by partners Spitzer Electric and Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic, she spoke with students and educators about the wide range of career opportunities available in the trades.

The discussion emphasized the importance of early career exploration and highlighted apprenticeships as a direct pathway to skilled, in-demand careers that offer hands-on learning, strong earning potential, and long-term stability.

By showcasing opportunities close to home, the event reinforced apprenticeships and the skilled trades as practical, rewarding options for students. We’re proud to support efforts that help young people envision new possibilities for their future.

(L to R) Mark Gosney (Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic Piping Division Manager); Natori Neal, M.S. (Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Apprenticeship Coordinator II); Jenny Spitzer (Spitzer Inc. Vice President); Rosa Dunn (Explore The Trades Connections Coordinator).