Trades Talk – August 2026

Future in Focus Fundraising Event Join Explore The Trades for Future in Focus, a fundraising reception bringing together industry leaders, educators, and supporters dedicated to strengthening the future of the skilled trades. On Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, attendees will connect with peers, celebrate the […]

Explore The Trades Attends the American School Counselor Association Conference

Explore The Trades team at the ASCA conference in New Orleans.

Explore The Trades Connects with School Counselors at ASCA 2026 From July 10-13, 2026, Explore The Trades was proud to attend the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brought together nearly 5,000 school counselors and educators from across the country; all focused on helping students discover pathways to […]

Explore Your Impact – July 2026

ETT Quarterly Donor Newsletter.

ON THE ROAD: VISITING SKILLS LAB SCHOOLS IN NEW JERSEY In May, our team had the pleasure of visiting three incredible Skills Lab schools across New Jersey: West Orange High School Toms River South High School Cape May County Technical School District All three schools have received equipment grants through our Skills Lab program. Each […]

Trades Talk – July 2026

ETT July Trades Talk.

Explore The Trades & NCCER to Partner at ASCA Conference Explore The Trades is excited to exhibit at this month’s American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Conference alongside NCCER. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with both organizations and learn how we support career pathways into the skilled trades, helping students discover hands-on, high-demand career […]

Explore The Trades Receives Grant Support from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation

enterpise mobilitity logo

Explore The Trades has received a grant from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation™ that will help bridge the technical talent gap to the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. This support reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities by investing in workforce development and career exploration. The Enterprise Mobility Foundation works to strengthen the […]

Trades Talk – June 2026

Trades Talk - June 2026.

On the Road: Visiting Skills Lab Schools in New Jersey Our team recently had the pleasure of visiting three incredible Skills Lab schools across New Jersey: West Orange High School in West Orange, Toms River South High School in Toms River, and Cape May County Technical School District in Cape May Court House – all […]

What Makes a Good Plumber?

Plumber working on pipe under sink.

What Makes a Good Plumber? If you’ve ever wondered if plumbing is a good career, the answer is a resounding yes. Plumbing is one of the most in-demand, well-paying skilled trades in the country. With strong wages, job security, and the deep satisfaction of solving real-world problems every day, plumbing as a career offers opportunities […]

Trades Talk – May 2026

May 2026 Trades Talk.

Happy National Skilled Trades Day from Explore The Trades! We’re celebrating the next generation of skilled professionals who are learning, building, and powering the future. Explore The Trades and Ferguson Grow Skilled Trades Education with New Grants to 18 Schools Record-Breaking Interest Highlights Growing Momentum for Career and Technical Education In celebration of National Skilled […]

Explore Your Impact – April 2026

Banner image for the April 2026 Explore Your Impact quarterly newsletter, featuring students working in a trades skills lab with the Explore The Trades logo.

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. HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS LAB VISIT In February, our team visited Hastings High School, a previous […]

Trades Talk – April 2026

Banner image for the April 2026 Trades Talk newsletter showing three students in safety glasses working on a hands-on trades project in a classroom.

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 […]