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 with Local Schools The future of the plumbing, HVAC, and […]
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 journeyman, and then finally earn the classification as a master […]
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 keep them running safely and efficiently. As artificial intelligence, cloud […]
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 an overview of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built […]
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 support of the incredible Explore The Trades not-for-profit organization, including […]
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 track. These roles are essential to how the trades function […]
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 fishing while helping advance our mission to bridge the technical […]
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.
Trades Talk – January 2026
Celebrating Our 2025 Impact Explore The Trades is proud to share the highlights from our 2025 Impact Report. This year, we launched the fifth year of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built By Ferguson” equipment grant program and expanded our reach in school districts nationwide—surpassing one million students impacted across the country! Your partnership […]
Trades Talk – December 2025
Help Us Finish Strong! Explore The Trades is on a mission to connect kids, teens, and young adults with exciting careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Our free classroom poster kits (available in English, Spanish, and for kiddos ages five-11) make it easy to spark curiosity about the skilled trades. Did you know…our poster kits […]