Explore The Trades

08/31/2026

🚨 There's still time to join us at Future in Focus on September 17 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa!

Hear from industry leaders who are helping shape the future of the skilled trades, including:

🔹 Evin Jarrett – Construction Trades Instructor, Mayfair Elementary School
🔹 Judaline Cassidy – Founder of Tools & Tiaras Inc and member of Plumbers Local Union No. 1
🔹 Andrew Brown – Founder of Trades Media, host of The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades podcast, and Explore The Trades Board Trustee

Seats are limited, so don't wait to reserve your spot!

🔗https://explorethetrades.rallyup.com/futureinfocus/Campaign/Details

A special thank you to our event sponsors, HD Supply and ShuBee, for helping make Future in Focus possible.

08/27/2026

📚 Back-to-school season is the perfect time to start exploring future career possibilities!

These students from Cape May County Technical School District are already thinking about their futures in the skilled trades. Watch as they share why the trades stand out to them.

Ready to explore a future in the trades? Learn more about career opportunities and pathways with the link in the comments.

What advice would you give a student considering a career in the trades?

08/26/2026

Want exclusive access to some of the most influential voices in the skilled trades?

Join Explore The Trades at Future in Focus on September 17 in San Antonio for an evening of connection, inspiration, and impact.

Attendees will enjoy a special meet-and-greet opportunity with members of our Leading The Trades panel:
✔️Evin Jarrett, Construction Trades Instructor, Mayfair Elementary School
✔️Judaline Cassidy, Founder of Tools & Tiaras Inc and member of Plumbers Local Union No. 1
✔️Andrew Brown, Founder of Trades Media, Host of 'The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades' podcast and Explore The Trades Board Trustee

Network with industry leaders, engage in meaningful conversations about workforce development, and support programs helping introduce students to high-demand skilled trades careers.

And of course, stick around for the highly anticipated rubber duck race finale! 🦆

🎟️ Reserve your seat today with the link in the comments.

🤝Special thanks to our event sponsors, HD Supply and ShuBee.

08/25/2026

How do we address the skilled trades labor shortage? Start in our own communities.

We're honored to be featured in a recent article from Midwest Design discussing workforce development and the importance of investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

A special thank you to Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air Service, Inc. for their commitment to career exploration, training, and building pathways into the trades. Partnerships like these help strengthen the future workforce and create opportunities for students to discover rewarding careers.

📖 Read the full article: https://www.midwestdesignmag.com/industry-news/addressing-skilled-trades-labor-shortage-local-engagement/

The skilled trades labor shortage is top of mind in the home building industry. Discover top tips for boosting your labor pipeline.

08/25/2026

Who might become your next great hire?

The answer may be sitting in a local middle or high school classroom.

Many students have the skills, mindset, and potential to succeed in the trades but need help discovering the opportunities available to them. Our Career Connections Event Guide can help you connect with local schools, engage students, and inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

🔗Download your free guide today with the link in the comments and start building your future workforce.

08/21/2026

🎯 Take aim at the skilled trades gap.

Join Explore The Trades for an unforgettable hunting experience while helping support the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Your participation helps fund programs that introduce students to rewarding careers in the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical industries, helping bridge the growing technical talent gap.

🦌 Interested in joining the hunt? Send us a message for registration details and availability. Spots are limited!

08/20/2026

Join us at Future in Focus! 🚨

On September 17, 2026, industry leaders, educators, and supporters will gather at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa to celebrate workforce development and invest in the future of the skilled trades.

Enjoy networking, interactive experiences, and the exciting rubber duck race finale, all while supporting programs that have introduced more than 1.2 million students to rewarding careers in the trades.

Can't attend in person? You can still support the cause by purchasing a duck online for a chance to win $500 while helping inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

🔗 Register today with the link in the comments.

08/19/2026

What if your next great hire could experience the job before applying?

That's the idea behind a Ride & Decide program.

By offering a ride-along experience, you give potential employees an authentic preview of your industry and workplace culture. It helps candidates determine whether the career is right for them and helps employers connect with more informed, engaged talent.

Our new Ride & Decide How-To Guide provides everything you need to launch a successful program.

✅ Showcase your company
✅ Introduce candidates to the trades
✅ Strengthen your talent pipeline

Download the guide today with the link in the comments.

08/18/2026

🦆 Ready, set, race!

One lucky duck will paddle away with a $500 prize, and every duck entered helps support the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

As part of Explore The Trades' Future in Focus fundraiser, our exciting Rubber Duck Race, proudly sponsored by ShuBee, gives you the chance to make a difference while joining in on the fun. Whether you're attending the event in San Antonio on September 17 or cheering from afar, your duck can still compete for the win!

🎟️ Event registration includes one rubber duck entry, and you can adopt additional ducks for just $20 each to increase your chances of crossing the finish line first.

Every duck purchased helps us connect students with rewarding career opportunities in the skilled trades.

🏁 Will your duck be first across the finish line?

🔗 Adopt your duck today: https://explorethetrades.rallyup.com/futureinfocus/Campaign/Details

08/14/2026

Join Explore The Trades at Northern Plains Outfitters in Athol, SD, for a world-class hunting experience, November 13-17, 2026.

With limited openings still available, now is the time to secure your spot and help support the future of the skilled trades. Your participation directly helps Explore The Trades bridge the technical talent gap in the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical industries.

🦌 Interested in joining the hunt?

Send us a message to learn more about registration and availability. Spots are limited!