Blog

As an alternative to four-year college programs, trade schools offer students an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on training and education in their chosen career path, boasting lower tuition costs and a shorter degree track, allowing graduates to enter the workforce as soon as possible. With an...

March 2023 Celebrate Women in the Trades! Celebrate Women’s History Month with Explore The Trades! Get inspired by women like Lillian Baumbach. Did you know that Lillian was the first female licensed master plumber in the U.S.? Lillian got her master’s license in 1951 in Virginia! Learn about...

The construction industry will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors, a construction industry trade association. “As the demand for construction services...

You’re young, you’re inexperienced, your school grades were poor to middling, and you haven’t accomplished much in life beyond earning minimal wages in a few low-skilled part-time jobs. Yet, you’ve managed to somehow wiggle your way into an interview for a trade apprenticeship program or an entry-level...

February 2023 A Special Thank You to 2022 Donors The work of Explore The Trades cannot happen without those who believe passionately in the trades of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. To the 123 companies, 68 individuals and two organizations who made donations to the organization in 2022, thank you. For...

Remote work and distance learning have quickly become accessible opportunities for many employees and students of all ages. We have begun to adapt to accomplish more regardless of our physical locations, offering flexibility and opportunities to many. Students are commonly starting college online, and...

January 2023 Happy New Year from Explore The Trades! Thank you to everyone who supported Explore The Trades in 2022! We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support of our incredible donors. Learn more about what the organization accomplished this year that YOU made possible. Explore The...

Included among my daily reading is a large amount of business and economic news from the Economist, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and other credible publications. One article from the WSJ a few days ago struck me as relevant to those of you contemplating trade careers. It had to do with a rise in layoffs...

The mission of Explore The Trades is to bridge the technical talent gap to the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling and electric. This focus is the passion that drives the work we do to encourage the next generation to find a fulfilling career in the trades while recognizing the tradespeople...