Explore The Trades’ Fundraiser a Sweet Success!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Explore The Trades “Fireworks & Dessert Party” fundraiser at EPCOT® in Walt Disney World®! A fantastic evening of Disney-themed treats, fireworks, and a little bit of Disney magic was enjoyed by the event guests. Through the generous support of home service companies and corporate sponsors, over $60,000 was […]

Journeyman License – What Is It?

The skilled trades have numerous opportunities for growth and development, and one of those milestones is the journeyman license. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC professionals can all earn their journeyman license with the right amount of expertise and dedication. Do you have what it takes to become a journeyman? Let’s find out. What is a Journeyman […]

Trades Talk – August 2024

August 2024 Fireworks & Dessert Party with Explore The Trades Join Explore The Trades at EPCOT® for a Fireworks & Dessert Party! Explore The Trades is looking forward to visiting Walt Disney World® for a “Fireworks and Dessert” party in EPCOT®. Enjoy sweet treats, dazzling entertainment, and a chance to ride a popular attraction at […]

Where Today’s Youth Are Discovering the Trades

young people discover the trades

Gen Z has gotten a bad rap. Older generations have bemoaned what they view as a lackluster work ethic and an obsession with going viral. While it’s true that Gen Z grew up immersed in social media, they are shedding the “lazy” reputation their elders have saddled them with. For the skilled trades, it couldn’t […]

Understanding the Role Donors Play in Advancing Trades Opportunities

donors role in advancing the trades

Nonprofit donations provide critical support in attracting young people to the skilled trades. Nonprofits have been established to provide resources and information for those considering the skilled trades as well as cementing partnerships with trades schools and apprenticeship programs to facilitate education for burgeoning tradespeople. Let’s take a closer look at the role donors play […]

The Importance of Trades Education in American High Schools

trades education in american high schools

American high schools have traditionally emphasized a pathway that leads directly to four-year colleges. However, this focus often overlooks the substantial benefits and opportunities that vocational education can offer students. As the demand for skilled tradespeople surges across the nation, incorporating trades education into high school curriculums is not just beneficial but essential. Bridging the […]

Explore The Trades Attends the American School Counselor Association Conference

Explore The Trades attended the American School Counselor Association Conference in Kansas City, MO from July 12-15, 2024. This conference brought together almost 5,000 school counselors and educators from all over the country. Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore The Trades, and Lara Beltz, Explore The Trades Board of Trustees President and owner of Beltz […]

Trades Talk – July 2024

July 2024 Fireworks & Dessert Party with Explore The Trades Join Explore The Trades at EPCOT® for a Fireworks & Dessert Party! Explore The Trades is excited to be headed to Walt Disney World® for a “Fireworks and Dessert” party in EPCOT®. Enjoy great food, sparkling entertainment, and a chance to ride a popular attraction […]

Five Unsung Comforts Provided Through the Trades

glass of water filling

We owe the professionals in the skilled trades a lot. It is not a reach to say that our society is fully reliant on their work. Without proper electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services, our communities would be far less comfortable and not nearly as healthy. Sanitary removal of wastewater, power for refrigeration and indoor temperature […]

Explore The Trades Attends the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference

Explore The Trades attended the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA from June 25-27, 2024. This conference brought together over 15,000 students, educators, industry vendors, and trades professionals from across the country. Over 6,500 career and technical education students competed in over 100 technical vocations and showcased their talent in the skilled […]