October 2024
“Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson”
Equipment Grants
NOW OPEN!
“Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grant applications opened on October 1st!
Learn more about how the program can bring HVAC and plumbing equipment to YOUR school. Visit the link below to learn more.
New this year, Explore The Trades has partnered with SkillCat in the Skills Lab program. All schools who are selected to receive a Skills Lab equipment grant will also receive free access to SkillCat’s app-based training program as a way to enhance students’ trade education.
Photo credit to Skills Lab recipient Carroll County Career and Technology Center
Over $60,000 Raised at Explore The Trades’
“Fireworks & Dessert Party” Fundraiser!
Thank you to the attendees and sponsors who came together in Orlando, FL for the Explore The Trades “Fireworks & Dessert Party” fundraiser at EPCOT® in Walt Disney World®.
Over $60,000 was raised to support the work of Explore The Trades to bridge the technical talent gap to the skilled trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical.
Read more about the event at the link below.
Thank you to our event sponsors!
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Attraction Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Toolbox Ticket Sponsor
Donor Spotlight
Anthony Caccia
Sales Manager and Training Leader
Caccia Plumbing
As a third-generation plumber, Anthony has held nearly every job in the company from sweeping floors and digging ditches, to training and leadership.
As the Sales Manager and Training Leader of Caccia Plumbing, Anthony also serves as an Explore The Trades’ trustee, and loves the organization for the education it provides to the next generation.
His team at Caccia Plumbing, located in the Bay Area in California, dedicates time to engaging local high schools, and even has a “Ride and Decide” program that allows high school seniors to spend 30 days in a paid internship to explore the trades. The program has been a success in finding future talent for the business, including two full time employees who completed the program.
Learn more about Anthony and his passion for the trades.
Curious to learn more about creating a “Ride and Decide” program at your business? Check out Explore The Trades’ resources HERE.
Gifts to Explore The Trades provide a foundational knowledge of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades – and why they’re important to our country.
- $10 provides one poster kit to a school and impacts 240 students.
- $50 provides one “More Than an Elective” classroom kit to a school counselor
Thank you for supporting the next generation of technical talent.