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
What Makes a Good Plumber?
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
How to Find Great Trade Workers: A Complete Hiring Guide
Find a tradesperson who lasts. Discover proven best practices for hiring skilled trades people, from always-on recruiting to retention strategies that work.
Trades Talk – May 2026
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
Trade Jobs Are for Women: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in the Trades
Women represent a small share of the skilled workforce (roughly 4%). However, that is up from essentially zero in the 1970s. The number of women stepping into plumbing, electrical, and HVACcareers is growing and will only continue to grow.
Explore Your Impact – 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. HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS LAB VISIT
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
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
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