Debunking the Five Biggest Myths About Working in the Trades
Careers in the trades—such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC—are not only essential but offer lucrative and fulfilling opportunities. Despite growing demand and high earning potential, trades careers continue to be misunderstood. In this article, we’ll break down five of the most common myths about working in the trades and set the record straight. Five […]
Trades Talk – February 2025
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: 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 […]
Trades Talk – January 2025
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 […]
Trades Talk – December 2024
December 2024 Thank You for Your Support on Giving Tuesday! Explore The Trades is incredibly grateful for the generosity and support we received on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to YOU, we raised $715.70 providing educators across the country with over 70 poster kits to help bridge the technical talent gap and inspire the next generation of […]
Tools For Christmas
Christmas is almost here and it’s likely some of your loved ones are in a last-minute gift shopping mode. Don’t know what to get for you? Well, skilled trade workers usually are expected to provide their own set of hand tools. You may want to drop hints to loved ones that certain tools make for […]
Trades Talk – November 2024
November 2024 Explore The Trades and Ferguson Visit Mayfair School! Last month, Explore The Trades joined forces with Ferguson to visit Mayfair School in Philadelphia. Mr. Evin Jarrett and his students are doing amazing things and Explore The Trades was proud to select their classroom as a recipient of a plumbing equipment grant last spring […]
What If You Have No Good References?
Before they hire you, most employers will ask for references of people you have worked for in the past. They especially would like to know about former supervisors, department heads or company owners. The more prestigious the titles of the people you give as references, the more impressed a potential employer will be. Some of […]
Smart Homes Need Smart Technicians
I remember way back as a child visiting some homes that still had iceboxes rather than refrigerators and milk delivered by a milkman. Similarly, I bet many of you reading this grew up in homes without many of the modern conveniences we now take for granted. Many “smart homes” of today are equipped with technology […]
Do You Have Skeletons In Your Closet?
Before hiring anyone, most trade employers will do a background check that includes criminal history, driving records and past employment. If they’re diligent, they will also attempt to contact the people you list as references to see what they say about you. If you have a clean background, have never been in significant trouble, and […]