Trades Talk – April 2026
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 Skilled Trades Day (May 6th) to see the list of this year’s recipients. New Contractor Toolkit: Build Stronger Connections
Apprenticeship, Journeyman, Master Plumbers: Understanding the Difference
Apprenticeship, Journeyman, Master Plumbers: Understanding the Difference Many professions and industries have classifications and licensing requirements that define your experience level, and plumbing is one of them. As you move through your career in plumbing, you’ll start with an apprenticeship. From there, you’ll become a
Data Centers & Skilled Trades Careers: Powering the Future of Technology
Data Centers & Skilled Trades Careers: Powering the Future of Technology When you think of data centers, you might picture massive buildings filled with servers, blinking lights, and high-tech equipment. But behind every one of these facilities is a team of highly skilled tradespeople who
Trades Talk – March 2026
Apply for the Skills Lab Equipment Grant Program! Photo courtesy of Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design, a 2024-2025 Skills Lab recipient. Join Explore The Trades for a Skills Lab Webinar on Wednesday, March 11th from 2–2:30 PM CST. This session will give attendees
How to Avoid Student Loan Debt After High School | Explore The Trades
Learn how to avoid student loan debt after high school by exploring alternatives to college, trade school options, and careers that minimize student loans.
The Trades Discussion We Should Be Having
This blog post was originally written by Connor Williams of Ashton Mechanical Group published on February 6th, 2026 and is shared here with permission. I recently had the amazing opportunity to join other home services business owners on a fundraising trip to South Dakota in
Customer Service & Dispatch Careers in the Trades
Customer Service & Dispatch Careers in the Trades When people think about careers in the skilled trades, technicians carrying tools often come to mind. But behind every successful plumbing, HVAC, or electrical company is a team of customer service and dispatch professionals keeping operations on
Trades Talk – February 2026
Cast a Line for a Cause: Join Our 2026 Fishing Fundraiser! Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Explore The Trades Fishing Fundraiser, taking place April 16–19, 2026, at Cajun Fishing Adventures in Buras, Louisiana. This all‑inclusive event offers two full days of guided
The College Enrollment Decline: Are Universities Losing Their Luster?
College enrollment has been declining for more than a decade. Explore enrollment trends in higher education and what shifting student choices mean for the future.