Celebrating Our 2025 Impact
Explore The Trades is proud to share the highlights from our 2025 Impact Report.
This year, we launched the fifth year of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built By Ferguson” equipment grant program and expanded our reach in school districts nationwide—surpassing one million students impacted across the country!
Your partnership makes this progress possible. Together, we’re building the next generation of skilled trades professionals and strengthening the future of the home services industry.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to achieving even more in 2026!
Read the full impact report with the link below.
Explore The Trades Visits Miller’s Services
(L to R) Kristen Long, Recruiting & Engagement Specialist at Miller’s Services, Rosa Dunn, Connections Coordinator at Explore The Trades.
Connections Coordinator Rosa Dunn recently visited Miller’s Services in Gloucester, Virginia to learn how they’re creating strong partnerships with local schools.
For several years, Miller’s has hosted a summer bootcamp for high school students—a week-long program where students ride along with technicians in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and septic. This effort has resulted in seven full-time hires! They also partner with a local technical school to offer annual internships, creating even more opportunities for future skilled professionals.
A big thank you to Kristen Long and Amber Falin for hosting us and sharing these impactful strategies. We’re excited to continue building this partnership!
Want to learn more about how your company can connect with schools? Visit the link below!
From Apprentice to Future Electrician: Ian’s Story
Meet Ian, an electrical apprentice at Thornton & Grooms, a residential home services company dedicated to growing the trades.
In a recent video, Ian shares his journey into the electrical field—what inspired him to choose this career and the benefits he’s discovered along the way, from hands-on learning to long-term growth opportunities.
His story is a powerful reminder of the impact skilled trades can have on individuals and communities. Whether you’re hiring apprentices or encouraging career pathways, this is the kind of success story that keeps our industry strong.
Watch Ian’s story and get inspired!
Find more video resources in our resource library linked below.
Help Shape the Future of the Skilled Trades
At Explore The Trades, we believe education is the spark that lights a passion for the trades—and we’re building a nationwide network of companies who share that vision. Your organization can play a key role in making it happen.
Start by taking our Bridging the Gap survey. It’s just eight quick questions, but your answers will help connect classrooms with real-world career paths.
Whether you’re ready to mentor students or simply want to explore ways to get involved, your perspective matters.
Click the link below to share your input today
Donors of Explore The Trades support the next generation of tradespeople and the legacy of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades.
To our supporters, we thank you.
To learn more about supporting Explore The Trades and its donors, click the link below.