Why Gen Z is Ditching College for the Trades
Generation X and Millennials largely agreed on the path to adulthood – graduate high school, attend college, rack up student debt and attempt to pay it off by slaving away at an office job. Increasingly, we’ve seen a different approach among Gen Z. One of the defining Gen Z traits is not settling for the […]
10 Lighting Project Tips for New Electricians
– By LED Lighting Supply If you’re just starting in the world of electricians, there’s a long way to go until you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with the knowledge of veterans who have plenty of time and experience ahead. There are a few tricks and advice that would’ve been helpful when many of us started […]
The Tools to Succeed: Fueling the Trades Workforce Through Philanthropy
The skilled trades workforce needs a major boost. Newcomers have been far outpaced by retirees for some time and the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC industries are nearing a breaking point. There is a massive need for fresh faces to enter trade programs and join the skilled trades. There are several ways in which philanthropy can […]
Trades Talk – June 2024
June 2024 Recipients of the“Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson”Grants Announced12 Schools to Receive Support to Create and UpdatePlumbing & HVAC Labs The “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grant recipients were announced on May 1, 2024, in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day. In its third year, the Skills […]
Three Ways You Can Support the Next Generation of Skilled Workers
The struggle to attract young people to the skilled trades has been well-documented. We need to work together to ensure we have the people needed to offer these crucial services. Few industries offer the career stability and progression that the trades can provide. Additionally, skilled workers can choose to work for a company or lean […]
Women in the Trades: Growing Careers, Breaking Barriers
Around 4% of people working skilled trades jobs in the United States are women. While this number may not sound like a lot, this is substantial progress from what was once a flat 0%. We are likely to see – and excited to see – the number of trades opportunities for women continue to rise […]
Trades Talk – May 2024
May 2024 Recipients of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” Grants Announced12 Schools to Receive Support to Create and Update Plumbing & HVAC Labs The “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants were announced on May 1, 2024, in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day. Twelve schools are the […]
Trades Talk – April 2024
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 May 1st to see the list of new recipients. NEW Recruiting Resources from Explore The Trades! Explore The Trades is your partner in building the next generation of technical talent. With jobs in the plumbing, […]
Explore The Trades at the National HVACR Education Conference
Explore The Trades attended the National HVACR Education Conference hosted by ESCO Group in Las Vegas, NV from March 25-26, 2024. This conference brought together over 1,100 HVACR educators, manufacturers, and industry professionals from all over the country. Explore The Trades’ team members Toni Bower and Maddy Sorenson attended and connected with numerous HVAC educators […]
Starting From Square 1: Building a Career in the Trades
While starting fresh with a trades career may sound challenging, the payoff can be immense. Jessica Bannister, an HVAC professional, spent over 10 years behind a desk before beginning her apprenticeship in 2018. Jessica grew up thinking the trades weren’t an option for women like her, and is much more happy and fulfilled after making […]