Five Reasons Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Companies Should Support Philanthropic Efforts

Hands holding $100 bills.

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 to find qualified workers. Explore The Trades is dedicated to […]

Trades Talk – April 2025

Newsletter header image for 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 Fishing Fundraiser – Special Registration Announcement – Pack […]

Explore The Trades Connects with Education Leaders at the National School Boards Association Conference

National School Boards Association 2025 event logo.

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 Home Services), and Trustee Marty Cullen represented Explore The Trades […]

Trades Talk – March 2025

Explore the Trades trades talk.

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 webinar about the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by […]

Where Are Today’s Youth Discovering the Trades?

young people discover 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 dubbed the “Toolbelt Generation” for their immense enthusiasm for hands-on […]

The Trades: Your Ticket to a Future-Proof Career

Animated trades people.

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 job market. No matter how much the employment landscape changes, […]

Trades Talk – February 2025

Explore the trades logo.

February 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 webinar about the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grant program. […]

What a Career in the Trades is Like: From an Experienced Electrician

what a career in the trades is like

What a Career in the Trades is Like: From an Experienced Electrician EXPLORE THE TRADES | February 10, 2025 | Blog The trades offer a unique career path filled with opportunity, growth, and hands-on experiences that “traditional” office jobs often can’t provide. Whether you’re considering trade school, wondering if a career in the trades is […]

Explore The Trades Attends the Auer Steel Expo

Explore the trades booth.

Explore The Trades attended the Auer Steel Expo in St. Paul, MN on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. As the largest HVAC expo in the state, the event brought together over 100 vendor exhibitors and more than 1,000 local HVAC professionals from the Midwest. Executive Director Kate Cinnamo, Donor Engagement Specialist Toni Bower, and Project Coordinator […]

Trades Talk – January 2025

Explore the Trades logo.

January 2025 Celebrating 2024 and Success in the Skilled Trades Explore The Trades is proud to share the incredible impact we’ve had in 2024. From launching the fourth year of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” program, to increasing our reach and impact in school districts across the country – our work continues to grow and […]