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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.
This webinar was recorded on March 6th, 2025.
Donor Spotlight
Tyler Heath
Owner
Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Tyler Heath is the owner of Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, a Georgia-based home service company built on the belief that success starts with taking care of people—whether that’s customers, team members, or the communities they serve. The company is growing steadily, with ambitious goals and a commitment to never losing sight of its values. Its mission is simple: create happy homes by investing in the skilled tradespeople who make that possible.
Tyler grew up in the trades—taught by his father, who was taught by his father before him. The trades aren’t just a career path for him—they’re part of his family’s legacy. He’s experienced firsthand how this industry can change lives, offering purpose, opportunity, and lifelong skills. That experience drives his passion for building a company that does the same for others.
Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating & Cooling invests heavily in training, mentorship, and culture because Tyler believes the trades are more than just jobs—they’re honorable, high-opportunity careers. The company works hard to create an environment where team members can grow into leadership, find pride in their work, and build a life they’re proud of.
That’s why Tyler supports Explore The Trades. He believes young people need to see the skilled trades for what they truly are: a respected, rewarding path where you can earn while you learn, contribute meaningfully, and create a future on your own terms.
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 6,700 students each
year, on average.
$20
With a contribution of $20 a month,
your annual impact provides 24 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 13,000 students each
year, on average.
$50
With a contribution of $50 a month,
your annual impact provides 60 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 33,000 students each
year, on average.
$100
With a contribution of $100 a month,
your annual impact provides 120
poster kits to schools across the
country – reaching over 67,000
students each year, on average.
Partner with Explore The Trades!
To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact:
Toni Bower, Donor Engagement Specialist: tonib@explorethetrades.org or 651-300-1612
Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director: katec@explorethetrades.org or 651-789-8518