
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

Trades Talk – March 2025
Join Explore The Trades for a Skills Lab Webinar Whether you’re a teacher ready to give your students hands-on experience in the plumbing, HVAC, or electrical trades or a service business wanting to bring the trades to your community, you’re invited to attend an upcoming

Where Are Today’s Youth Discovering the Trades?
Where are Today’s Youth Discovering the Trades? Generation Z—born between 1997 and 2012—have an unfortunate reputation among older generations as being lazy and lacking work ethic. However, this perception is inaccurate. The truth is, they’re diving into skilled trades careers. In fact, Gen Z is

The Trades: Your Ticket to a Future-Proof Career
The Trades: Your Ticket to a Future-Proof Career In a rapidly changing job market, many career paths face uncertainty due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. This is a stressful time for both current workers and high school graduates preparing to enter the