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Explore The Trades and Ferguson Grow Skilled Trades Education with New Grants to 10 Schools
BLOOMINGTON, MN — The “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants were announced on May 7, 2025, in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day.
Ten schools are the newest recipients of the Skills Lab equipment grants, which are projected to reach over 1,500 students this upcoming school year. This dynamic program has experienced rapid growth since it began in 2021 and has now delivered equipment to 32 high schools and three middle schools in 17 states across the country.
These grants are funded by Ferguson, a leading value-added distributor in residential and commercial construction, which also provides the equipment and support to help schools establish or expand their skilled trades labs. The initiative reflects Ferguson’s long-term commitment to closing the skilled labor gap through education and workforce development partnerships.
"Strong partnerships between industry and education are essential to the growth of the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades," said Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore The Trades. “We’re excited to see the ‘Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson’ program continue to expand—now reaching a new milestone with the selection of its first-ever electrical lab. This lab is being sponsored directly by Explore The Trades and we’re proud to see the broader initiative grow beyond its original scope. This year, we also welcomed SkillCat as an in-kind donor, whose technical content will further enrich students’ education in the trades. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2025, there’s no better way to honor two decades of supporting skilled trades education in schools across the country!”
Melissa Hazelwood, Director of Social Impact at Ferugson commented: “We’re seeing a pivotal moment for the skilled trades. More young people—especially Gen Z—are recognizing the advantages of a career in trades, from economic stability to long-term growth. With this momentum building and an urgent need to address the industry’s labor shortage, the time is now to invest in the next generation. Through our partnership with Explore The Trades, we’re helping schools turn student interest into hands-on opportunities. These labs are more than just equipment—they represent pathways to promising futures.”
2024-2025 Recipients
• Abraham Lincoln High School – Plumbing (Denver, Colorado)
• Atlantic County Institute of Technology – HVAC (Mays Landing, New Jersey)
• Burlington County Institute of Technology - Westhampton – 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)
New this year, Explore The Trades is proud to sponsor the first electrical lab in the Skills Lab program.
Congratulations to the following recipient:
• Cape May County Technical School District – (Cape May Court House, New Jersey)
To see a list of all Skills Lab equipment grant recipients visit explorethetrades.org/explore-the-trades-skills-lab.