Apply for the Skills Lab Equipment Grant Program!
Photo courtesy of Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design, a 2024-2025 Skills Lab recipient.
Join Explore The Trades for a Skills Lab Webinar on Wednesday, March 11th from 2–2:30 PM CST.
This session will give attendees an overview of the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grant program, including eligibility, timelines, equipment ordering, and reporting expectations, along with time for live Q&A.
If you know a local school that could benefit from hands‑on skilled trades education, please share this opportunity. Strong partnerships between schools and industry help strengthen the talent pipeline in every community.
Applications close on Tuesday, March 31st — encourage your school partners to apply!
Unable to attend live? No problem! The webinar will be recorded and emailed to all registrants.
Learn more and register using the link below.
Explore The Trades and NCCER Launch Free Career Co-Kit
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Together, we’ve developed a free digital co‑kit that makes career awareness and readiness resources easily accessible for educators, counselors, and learners. The co‑kit brings together materials that support individuals from early exploration through training, job discovery, and next steps into craft professions.
This partnership is focused on meeting learners where they are, equipping educators with practical tools, and creating clearer pathways from curiosity to confident action in the skilled trades.
Download the free co‑kit with the link below.
Become a Trade Builder and Shape the Future of the Trades
Building a strong, skilled workforce takes steady, year-round support – and that’s where you come in.
Trade Builders, our monthly giving program, fuels predictable, sustainable impact that helps young people discover fulfilling careers in the skilled trades.
Your monthly support makes a difference:
Individuals
- $20/month helps introduce 10,000+ students each year to plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers through expanded classroom resources.
Companies & Businesses
- $150/month equips up to 180 classrooms nationwide, reaching 75,000+ students annually with career exploration materials.
As a Trade Builder, you’ll receive:
- A digital badge for your website or social platforms
- Special Explore The Trades swag
- Early access to upcoming events
Help strengthen the talent pipeline and safeguard the legacy of the trades.
Learn more and join the community at the link below!
The Trades Discussion We Should Be Having
In a recent guest blog by Connor Williams of Ashton Mechanical Group, Explore The Trades Executive Director Kate Cinnamo highlights the urgent need to reintroduce students to the skilled trades.
With many young people not being exposed to plumbing, HVAC, or electrical careers, Explore The Trades is working to rebuild awareness through early education, modern resources, and school partnerships.
From career pathway posters now reaching nearly a quarter of U.S. school districts to inspiring stories like Mayfair School’s hands‑on skills lab in Philadelphia, the blog showcases the real impact early exposure can have on students’ confidence, skill development, and career possibilities.
Read the full blog on our website to dive deeper into this important conversation.
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.