SUPPORT THE TRADES
DONATE TODAY
Tradespeople have built our communities for generations and their skills will remain vital for years to come. By donating to Explore The Trades, you help preserve this legacy and empower the next generation of professionals.
Why Our Work Matters
Explore The Trades exists to bridge the technical talent gap by introducing students to careers in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. The organization provides free resources that inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals while supporting educators and industry partners.
For decades, schools shifted focus toward four-year college pathways, creating stigma around the skilled trades and leaving many students unaware of these essential careers. By supporting Explore The Trades, you help restore pride in the trades, rebuild awareness in classrooms, and open doors for the next generation of plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. Now is the time to invest in the people who power the trades.
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. 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.
This webinar was recorded on March 6th, 2025.
Your Annual Impact
Why Our Work Matters
Explore The Trades exists to bridge the technical talent gap by introducing students to careers in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. The organization provides free resources that inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals while supporting educators and industry partners.
How You Can Help
With support from donors and industry partners, Explore The Trades is helping assemble the technical workforce of the future. Your donation to Explore The Trades provides classroom and on-demand resources to educators, young adults, parents, and all those ready to begin a path to career success.
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.
Build the Future of the Skilled Trades
Trade Builders is a community of monthly donors powering trades awareness and education through sustaining support.
Your monthly gift fuels year‑round trades education—placing free career resources into classrooms, inspiring thousands of students, and helping build the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Become a Trade Builder to preserve the legacy of the trades and strengthen the workforce that keeps our communities running.
Trade Builders Benefits
When you join Trade Builders, you become part of a dedicated community committed to shaping the future of the trades. As a member, you will receive:
- A welcome email with a digital badge to share on social media or your company website
- Recognition in our annual report
- Exclusive pricing and early invitations to Explore The Trades events
- Special Trade Builders–only swag
Above all, you’ll be part of a community making a lasting difference—ensuring that the trades continue to thrive and that students everywhere have the opportunity to build bright, successful futures.
$20
For Individuals
$20/month introduces more than 10,000 students each year to career opportunities in the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades through expanded access to classroom resources.
$150
For Companies
$150/month equips up to 180 classrooms annually, reaching more than 75,000 students with high‑quality trades career materials that spark curiosity and open doors.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
State Energy Inc. engages middle and high school students at the
Junior Achievement Inspire Career Fair in West Palm Beach, Florida.
State Energy Inc.
“At State Energy, our purpose has always been bigger than the services we provide; we’re here to build trust, create opportunity, and support the future of our community. That’s why Explore The Trades resonates so deeply with us. Their dedication to guiding students into rewarding trade careers is both powerful and necessary. It’s an honor to support a nonprofit that is genuinely changing lives and strengthening the future of our industry.”
—Monthly donor Kristyn W. Kelley, Director of Operations and Innovation
Become part of the movement that’s shaping the future of the trades.
Donor Spotlight
Building Careers That Save Lives
Most people never think about fire sprinklers — until they save lives. Behind these critical life safety systems are highly trained professionals dedicated to protecting people, property, and communities every single day.
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) stands at the forefront of this mission as a leader in life safety training and education. As a strong advocate for fire sprinklers as a vital skilled trade, AFSA is helping address the growing demand for qualified professionals in fire protection. Closely tied to the plumbing and pipefitting industries, fire sprinkler systems rely on many of the same technical skills — including designing, installing, and maintaining complex piping networks that deliver water where and when it’s needed most. Through its investment in career and technical education, AFSA is ensuring the next generation understands both the value and the opportunity within this essential, interconnected field.
AFSA actively supports apprenticeships and workforce development initiatives that connect students to meaningful, hands-on careers. These pathways often overlap with plumbing and pipefitting training, giving individuals a strong foundation in pipe systems, water distribution, and code-based safety practices. By promoting these career routes, the organization helps young people discover opportunities that are not only in demand, but deeply impactful. Their work highlights the importance of attracting new talent to industries that play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and infrastructure.
AFSA is committed to helping students discover rewarding careers that make a real difference — protecting lives, businesses, and communities every day.
Partnering to Build the Trades Talent Pipeline.
For business owners and industry leaders, the video below is a powerful example of how partnering with local schools can help develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Watch the video to learn more and discover how you can support trades education in your community.
Explore The Trades hosted a compelling panel featuring Mayfair educator Evin Jarrett and former student Jamiah Washington. Their conversation, moderated by Executive Director Kate Cinnamo and Trustee Lauren Martin of Seaside Plumbing Inc., offers a firsthand look at how career and technical education (CTE) can shape futures and strengthen communities.
Partner with Explore The Trades!
Partner with us to inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Explore partnership opportunities below to help guide the next generation into rewarding careers.
To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact:
Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director: katec@explorethetrades.org or 651-789-8518