Explore The Trades

06/09/2026

Think you need years of experience to start a career in the trades?

That’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there.

Many employers aren’t looking for a perfect résumé—they’re looking for people who show up, work hard, and are ready to learn. The skills come with training.

Even better? Apprenticeships offer a path where you can get paid while you learn on the job.

If you’ve been waiting until you “feel qualified,” this might be your sign to take the first step.

👉 Learn more about getting started in the trades with the link in the comments!

06/08/2026

Trade school or college?

More high school graduates are choosing the skilled trades—and for good reason. These careers offer strong earning potential, hands-on work, and a direct path into in-demand industries.
This segment from Good Morning America takes a closer look at what’s driving the shift and the opportunities available after graduation. 👇

This segment from Good Morning America takes a closer look at what’s driving the shift and the opportunities available after graduation. 👇

🎥: Good Morning America

06/08/2026

Trade jobs are for women, and the opportunity has never been greater. 🔧

More women are stepping into careers in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, building strong futures with good pay, stability, and real growth. These paths offer a chance to learn valuable skills, earn while you train, and create a career you can be proud of.

The trades are changing, and women are leading the way—proving every day that talent, determination, and skill are what matter most. 💪

If you’re ready to explore a different path, there’s a place for you in the trades!

Read the full blog in the comments.

📸: Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design (Newark, NJ) a 2024-2025 Skills Lab recipient school.

06/04/2026

The June Trades Talk newsletter is live! 🚨

The latest edition of Trades Talk is now available, and it’s full of impactful updates from Explore The Trades!

✅ Recap of our visit to New Jersey Skills Lab schools
✅ Thank you to Harbor Freight Tools for Schools for their generous grant support
✅ Spotlight on our poster kit program inspiring the next generation
✅ ETT & NCCER to team up at the ASCA Conference
✅ Partner Spotlight: Ferguson and their expansion of pathways into the skilled trades

Take a look at how we’re continuing to strengthen connections, expand opportunities, and elevate careers in the trades.

👉 Read it now with the link in the comments!

06/03/2026

🔧 The skilled trades labor shortage isn’t “coming”… it’s already here.

In this powerful episode of Business Success Tips, our very own Kate Cinnamo joins Contractor Staffing Source to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today—how we attract and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

💡 From hands-on demos like tankless water heaters and electrical panels at school events, to real, actionable strategies contractors can use right now—this conversation is all about building the future workforce, not just reacting to the shortage.

🎧 Tune in and start shaping the future of the trades: https://explorethetrades.org/in-the-news/

06/03/2026

📚🚿 No hot water? Sounds like a job for…Plumber Paige!

We love seeing collaborations like this from our friends at Bradford White and industry pal, Paige Knowles!

Partnerships throughout the industry are especially important these days as we all work in tandem to bring trades awareness to so many.

Through projects like Paige's new book - "No Hot Water?! Plumbing Page to the Rescue!" - kids are introduced to the plumbing trade in a way they can understand.

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announces today the launch of "No Hot Water!? Plumber Paige to The Rescue!," a children's book written by Paige Knowles and illustrated by Rhiannon Duch.

06/01/2026

We’re proud to highlight our partner, Ferguson, and the incredible work they’re doing to shape the future of the skilled trades. With a goal of connecting 50,000 young people to trade careers by 2030, Ferguson is making a broad impact through a range of initiatives, including the "Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson" program.

Through initiatives like the Skills Lab equipment grant program, students across the country are gaining hands-on experience with industry-grade tools—building confidence, developing practical skills, and discovering rewarding career pathways.

Ferguson’s commitment to workforce development is making a lasting impact on students, communities, and the trades industry.

👉 Read the full article in the comments to learn more about how these efforts are making a difference.

📸: Millstream Career Center (Findlay, OH), 2025–2026 Skills Lab recipient

05/27/2026

The data speaks for itself.

Together, we can ensure students have access to the resources and pathways that lead to meaningful careers in the skilled trades. 🔧

Thank you, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, for highlighting this important need!

A new national poll demonstrates overwhelming support for the expansion of skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. The survey of 6,000 U.S. voters, parents, and public high school students shows strong support for growing career-focused options as part of high school curriculum. The poll was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago and commissioned by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. SkillsUSA Association for Career and Technical Education NCCER American Welding Society Explore The Trades
https://hftforschools.org/research/national-public-opinion-research/

05/27/2026

💭 Wondering what a career in the trades can really earn you?

Your career doesn’t have to start with student loan debt to build a strong, well‑paying career.

Skilled trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical offer:
✅ Strong starting pay
✅ Regular wage growth as your skills increase
✅ Long‑term career stability
✅ Opportunities to advance into leadership or business ownership

From apprentice to licensed professional, the earning potential is real—and it grows with you.

🎥 Watch the video to see what’s possible in the trades.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from Explore The Trades.

Today, we join communities across the nation in honoring the heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.