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The trades are a timeless industry with a rich history. For generations, tradespeople have been instrumental in building this nation and they will continue to serve our communities years into the future.

Explore The Trades was founded in 2005 to promote this legacy and empower future trades professionals.

Why Our Work Matters

Over the last generation, many factors have played a role in creating a skilled labor shortage. What was once considered the backbone of this nation, the trades were cast aside as society favored a “college for all” mentality. Now is the time to renew our focus on the industries that keep our country running.

Explore The Trades exists to bridge the technical talent gap to the service trades:

Plumbing
Heating
Cooling
Electrical

Jobs in these industries are in high demand and come with great pay, career opportunities, and job security. We want to help people discover that these careers aren’t just a choice —they’re the best choice.

Company Spotlight

HD Supply contributed $10,000 to Explore The Trades to help grow the skilled trades talent pipeline. This gift reinforces their commitment to workforce development and advancing education in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades across the country.

HD Supply is a one-stop partner for skilled trades, providing the essential tools, supplies, and solutions that help professionals work efficiently. Whether you work in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or gas, we make jobs easier by simplifying operations and boosting profitability. HD Supply’s My Inventory Solutions™ program helps businesses of all sizes streamline inventory, leverage technology, and optimize workspaces. With fast delivery, easy online ordering, and dedicated sales professionals, they are committed to helping you succeed—whether you’re building your career, growing your business, or educating the next generation of tradespeople.

Learn more about HD Supply and their partnership with Explore The Trades below.

Donor Spotlight

Anthony Caccia

Sales Manager and Training Leader Caccia Plumbing

“Since choosing the trades over a four-year college path, Anthony understands that many kids are not given the guidance of knowing the college alternatives after high school. Inspired by this and his father’s passion for the trades, Anthony and the Caccia Plumbing team have led the company down a rewarding path of helping kids get into the trades.”

How You Can Help

With support from donors and industry partners, Explore The Trades is assisting in assembling the technical workforce of the future. When you donate to Explore The Trades, your gift provides classroom and on-demand resources to educators, young adults, parents, and all those ready to begin a path to career success.

Support to Explore The Trades ensures that the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades stay in the forefront of career conversations for the next generation.

Explore The Trades is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity; EIN 20-3547319.

Make a gift today to help empower the trades of tomorrow.

Become a Monthly Supporter of Explore The Trades!

You can make a big impact by giving a small amount on a regular basis. Join our community of recurring donors to help sustain our work bringing the service trades of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical to the individuals who are vital to the industries’ growth: students, parents, and educators.

Industry professionals and trades advocates like you are critical to the success of Explore The Trades’ initiatives and ultimately, communities around the nation. Setting up a monthly contribution only takes a moment and provides the organization with essential support throughout the year.

Supporters who wish to become a monthly donor will receive the following:

Special recognition on Explore the Trades’ website and annual donor recognition announcements
An Explore The Trades digital badge to share on social media or your company’s website to proudly showcase your support of Explore The Trades
Explore the Trades stickers and lapel pin.

All contributions are greatly appreciated.

Your Annual Impact

$10

With a contribution of $10 a month, your annual impact provides 12 poster kits to schools across the country – reaching over 2,800 students each year

$20

With a contribution of $20 a month, your annual impact provides 24 poster kits to schools across the country – reaching over 5,600 students each year.

$50

With a contribution of $50 a month, your annual impact provides 60 poster kits to schools across the country – reaching over 14,000 students each year.

$100

With a contribution of $100 a month, your annual impact provides 120 poster kits to schools across the country – reaching over 28,000 students each year.

We empower you to choose a custom amount to give monthly to support us.

Become a Sponsor of Explore The Trades!

Explore The Trades Sponsorship Opportunities

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Toni Bower, Donor Engagement Specialist: [email protected] or 651-300-1612
Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director: [email protected] or 651-789-8518

Donor Spotlight

Anthony Caccia

Sales Manager and Training Leader

Caccia Plumbing

Anthony grew up in the trades and is proud to be a third-generation plumber. His father, James Caccia, founded Caccia Plumbing in 1979. His earliest childhood memories are of him and his brother, Geno, in the service truck with their father, and how he always instilled the value of doing a great job, doing the right thing when no one is looking, always standing behind your work, and to never stop learning. Growing up, Anthony remembers wanting to follow in his footsteps. Upon graduating high school, Anthony knew that a career in the trades was his path. He joined the family business knowing college was not for him, a decision that he has never regretted.

Over the last 29 years Anthony has held nearly every job in the building – from sweeping floors and digging ditches, to training and leadership. Today, Anthony has found himself as the Sales Manager and Training Leader. He works closely with his brother Geno to operate and grow the family business. As Caccia Plumbing approaches its 45^th year in business, they reflect on the passing of James Caccia in 2008 as they continue to build from the solid foundation that was his legacy. Anthony is proud that the company has grown to heights that his dad would be proud of, and he wishes he were here to see it.

Anthony loves Explore the Trades for the education it provides to the next generation. As a trustee of Explore The Trades’ Board of Directors since 2023, he is excited by what the organization already does, what it could do, and the great minds of it’s leaders and board members.

Since choosing the trades over a four-year college path, Anthony understands that many kids are not given the guidance of knowing the college alternatives after high school. Inspired by his father’s passion for the trades, Anthony, Geno, and the Caccia Plumbing team have led the company down a rewarding path of helping kids get into the trades. They implemented a “Ride and Decide” program that allows high school seniors to spend 30 days in a paid internship to see if the trades are right for them. It has delivered great results in finding future talent for the business, including two full time employees that went through the program. His team dedicates time to visit to high schools to give presentations, talk to parents, and even hosted their first elementary school event this year in June for kids to learn plumbing.

Learn more about Caccia Plumbing’s story in the video below.