Employers & Industry Partners

Explore The Trades: Your Partner In Building the Next Generation of Technical Talent

With the help of our industry partners and a wealth of free resources, we guide students toward rewarding, high-paying careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Together, we’re bridging the talent gap and shaping the future of the skilled trades.

Partner with Schools To Build the Future

We’re building a powerful network of businesses and schools dedicated to nurturing the next generation of skilled trades professionals. By joining forces, we can equip students with the hands-on experience they need to succeed in high-demand careers.

Current Career Connections

Strawberry Crest High School & Stuart’s Plumbing. Strawberry Crest High School in Florida launched a new trades club and invited industry partners to get involved. Stuart’s Plumbing stepped up to support students with hands-on insight into the trades.
Irondale High School & Connors Plumbing, Heating & Air. Irondale High School introduced a new Trades Math course and partnered with Connors Plumbing, Heating & Air to bring real-world industry insight into the classroom.
Arcola Intermediate School & Ryan Kiscaden. Arcola Intermediate School invited guest presenters for its annual STEAM Day, and HVAC and plumbing professional Ryan Kiscaden volunteered to share his expertise with students.

Be part of this growing movement! Join these industry leaders and take the first step toward shaping the future. Fill out the survey to get started today.

More Ways to Engage Schools With the Trades

Introduce students to exciting career paths in the trades with Explore The Trades’ custom poster kits. These kits not only provide students with valuable insights into plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers but also position your company as a leader in supporting the next generation of skilled professionals. Share your knowledge and inspire future talent in your community.

Essential Guides to Building Your Skilled Trades Talent Pipeline

Explore the Trades Contractor Toolkit

Explore The Trades’ Contractor Toolkit gives contractors the tools and strategies they need to connect with local schools and support the next generation of skilled professionals. This resource helps you engage with CTE programs, influence workforce development, and make a lasting impact in your community.

Career Discovery Event: How To Guide

To build a strong team of skilled trades professionals, look no further than your local middle and high schools. Many students have the right mindset and potential for the trades but lack direction after graduation. This guide will help you tap into this untapped talent and make the most of the opportunity!

Ride & Decide: How To Guide

Choosing the right career can feel like guesswork. With a ride-along program, you give potential employees an inside look at the industry and your company. They’ll experience the day-to-day of the job, helping them decide if it’s the right fit. Use this guide to kickstart a successful ride-along program at your business.

Recruiting the Next Generation

Expand your recruiting efforts in your business and community with the resources below. “Five Steps to Recruiting the Next Generation of Technical Talent” will guide you in building a strong pipeline of skilled trades professionals.

Trades Videos & Career Path Downloads

Looking for additional resources to support your recruiting efforts? Explore The Trades offers valuable videos and career path downloads to help you connect with future talent!

Apprenticeships & Training

Apprenticeships and training programs are essential for building skilled professionals in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. Fill out the form below to share your company’s program and connect with the next generation of talent.

Explore The Trades Skills Lab: Built by Ferguson

Since 2021, 35 schools across 17 states have participated in the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” initiative. Over 3,500 students have benefited from hands-on experience with plumbing and HVAC trades as part of their middle or high school education. The skilled trades are essential to the growth and well-being of communities, and we encourage all schools to apply for equipment grants through this program to bring these vital trades to their students.

STEM & the Skilled Trades

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are the fundamental building blocks of careers that shape industries and impact our daily lives. In the skilled trades, STEM is the driving force behind plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers—propelling the workforce toward stability, growth, and long-term success.

STEM is Electrical

STEM and the Skilled Trades Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are the essential building blocks of careers that cross industries and impact our daily lives in different ways. STEM is the foundation of technical careers that propels our future workforce…

STEM is HVAC

STEM is Plumbing

Together We Can Shape the Future of Skilled Trades

Your involvement in partnering with schools and sharing expertise is crucial to closing the talent gap in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical fields. Explore The Trades provides the resources to help you build impactful partnerships and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals. Join us in shaping the future of the workforce!

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