Ferguson and Explore The Trades: Empowering the Multi-Skilled Trades Workforce

In celebration of National Skilled Trades Day, Ferguson, in partnership with Explore The Trades, proudly announces the latest recipients of the Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson equipment grants. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the skilled trades workforce by investing in education aligned with Explore The Trades’ mission to promote careers in plumbing, HVAC and electrical. Each of these essential trades provides students with hands-on experience and serves as a foundation for building a modern, multi-skilled workforce.

Embracing the Multi-Skilled Trades Future

The skilled trades landscape is shifting. No longer confined to single-track specialties, today’s job sites demand multi-skilled professionals fluent in plumbing and HVAC, or able to wire, weld and troubleshoot smart systems. While each Skills Lab grant is focused on a single discipline, collectively these labs serve as a launchpad for students to explore the broader world of the trades — developing adaptable skills and career confidence that can evolve into multi-trade proficiency.

That’s where Ferguson and Explore The Trades step in. Since launching the program in 2021, 35 skills labs have been established across 17 states, reaching over 3,500 students. Each lab provides hands-on training designed to prepare learners for the complexity — and opportunity — of modern trades careers.

“Strong partnerships between industry and education are critical to the continued growth of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. In our partnership with Ferguson, we have had a front row seat to students who discover an instant connection to working with the tools that can lead to a fulfilling career. Over the past four years, seeing local schools embrace, and enhance, trades education for their students is a joy and it's a privilege to be a part of those success stories." — Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore The Trades.

Those partnerships and versatility are already showing results. Logan D., a student from Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida, and a 2022–2023 Skills Lab grant recipient, shared how the program opened doors he never expected:

“Adding the plumbing program through the Skills Lab grant was amazing and so fun. It gives students the opportunity to see more trades and experience other fields of work. It made room for more hands-on experiences and other opportunities to get into careers. ​ I tried it out and loved it. Then, I was given the opportunity to go to the SkillsUSA Florida state competition and I was able to place second. I was also given the opportunity to go to a local competition and I came in first place. I truly believe the impact of being able to fund the program is highly needed.” —Logan D, Explore The Trades Grant Recipient, Longwood, Florida

Logan’s story illustrates how early exposure to one trade often ignites broader interest — and potential — across the skilled trades. Students who begin in plumbing or HVAC are gaining the foundational mindset and hands-on experience needed to grow into multi-trade professionals.

More Than Equipment — A Foundation for the Future

These grants are more than investments in equipment. They’re building blocks for student opportunity, workforce growth and long-term industry resilience.

2024–2025 Skills Lab Grant Recipients

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson grant:

• Abraham Lincoln High School – Plumbing (Denver, Colorado)
• Atlantic County Institute of Technology – HVAC (Mays Landing, New Jersey)
• Burlington County Institute of Technology - Westampton – HVAC (Westhampton, New Jersey)
• Craig Middle School – Plumbing (Craig, Colorado)
• Lansing Technical High School – HVAC (Lansing, Michigan)
• Lincoln County High School – HVAC (Eureka, Montana)
• Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design – Plumbing (Newark, New Jersey)
• Toms River High School South – HVAC (Toms River, New Jersey)
• West Orange High School – Plumbing (West Orange, New Jersey)
• Cape May County Technical School District – Electrical (Cape May Court House, New Jersey) (The program’s first dedicated electrical lab sponsored by ETT.)

These schools are preparing the next wave of professionals who can handle the demands of real-world, real-time projects — and who have the skills to grow as those projects evolve.

Ferguson associates often play a supporting role by encouraging schools to explore the opportunity and guiding them through the application process. Kimberly Keener, an Outside Sales associate in New Jersey, has seen enthusiasm grow in her region:

“It’s incredibly rewarding to encourage schools to consider applying and see how the grant can open doors for their students. In New Jersey, I’ve shared information with several schools and helped answer questions about the process. The excitement when a school is selected is inspiring. These grants help students envision careers in the trades and that first spark of possibility is something special to witness.” — Kimberly Keener, Territory Manager/Northeast District, Facilities Supply, Ferguson

Inside the Skills Lab: Where Futures Take Shape

A Pipeline for What’s Next

“At Ferguson, we recognize that the future of the trades lies in versatility and continuous learning. Our collaboration with Explore The Trades is about more than providing equipment; it's about fostering environments where students can build the real-world skills that meet the evolving needs of our industry. We’re proud to support programs that prepare students not just for jobs, but for lifelong, adaptable careers.” — Melissa Hazelwood, Director of Social Impact.

Ferguson’s investment in these students is an investment in the future of the skilled labor force — creating confident, career-ready professionals who can do more than one thing, and do them well.

To learn more about the Skills Lab program and see the full list of grant recipients, visit Explore The Trades.