Explore The Trades Awards 2026 Skills Lab Grants to 18 Schools Nationwide

BLOOMINGTON, MN — Explore The Trades announced the recipients of its 2026 “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants on National Skilled Trades Day, continuing the program’s nationwide effort to strengthen skilled trades education and workforce development.

This year’s program received a record number of applications from schools across the country, reflecting growing interest in career and technical education (CTE) programs focused on plumbing, HVAC and other skilled trades careers. From that competitive applicant pool, 18 schools were selected to receive 2026 Skills Lab equipment grants.

Program Expansion Supports Hands-On Skilled Trades Training

The newly awarded grants are expected to impact more than 2,100 students during the upcoming academic year by providing expanded access to hands-on technical training and career exploration opportunities.

Since launching in 2021, the “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” initiative has grown significantly, providing equipment and support to 49 high schools and four middle schools across 21 states.

Industry Partnerships Help Address Workforce Shortages

The Skills Lab grant program was launched with Ferguson serving as the founding partner. Through the initiative, Ferguson funds equipment grants while helping schools access tools, instructional resources and long-term program support designed to strengthen skilled trades education.

The initiative is part of Ferguson’s broader workforce development efforts aimed at helping address ongoing labor shortages across the construction and mechanical trades industries.

“As interest in the skilled trades continues to rise, building a strong workforce starts with providing real access, support and clear entry points into the industry,” said Melissa Hazelwood, Director – Social Impact at Ferguson. “Programs like this are designed to strengthen the talent pipeline and give students the tools and opportunities they need to pursue rewarding, lasting careers in the trades.”

Online Training and Certifications Expand Learning Opportunities

Since 2024, SkillCat has partnered with the Skills Lab program to provide grant recipients with free access to its accredited online training platform for both instructors and students throughout the school year.

The platform includes coursework and certifications such as EPA 608 and OSHA-10, helping students develop foundational technical knowledge while preparing for entry into the workforce.

Program Continues Long-Term Workforce Development Mission

Explore The Trades leaders say the program’s continued growth demonstrates the value of collaboration between education providers, manufacturers, distributors and workforce development organizations.

“For over 20 years, Explore The Trades has supported skilled trades education and it’s inspiring to see how collaboration across education, industry, and workforce partners continues to drive meaningful impact,” said Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore The Trades. “I’m grateful that, alongside Ferguson and SkillCat, this program showcases what successful partnerships can achieve. It’s a privilege to support schools and instructors who are preparing students for in-demand trades careers that strengthen communities and the economy.”

2025-2026 Recipients

• Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education – HVAC (Milwaukee, WI)

• Camden County Technical Schools – Plumbing (Sicklerville, NJ)

• Delsea Regional High School – Plumbing (Franklinville, NJ)

• East Orange Campus High School – Plumbing (East Orange, NJ)

• Gloucester High School – HVAC (Gloucester, VA)

• Hunterdon County Vocational School District – North Campus – Plumbing (Flemington, NJ)

• La Center High School – Plumbing (La Center, WA)

• La Follette High School – Plumbing (Madison, WI)

• Millstream Career Center – Plumbing (Findlay, OH)

• New Horizons Regional Education Center – Plumbing (Newport News, VA)

• Northeast Metro 916 Career and Technical Center – HVAC (White Bear Lake, MN)

• Northwestern Area School District – Plumbing/HVAC (Mellette, SD)

• Patchogue-Medford High School – Plumbing (Medford, NY)

• Pennsauken High School – HVAC (Pennsauken, NJ)

• Pinelands Regional High School – Plumbing (Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ)

• Stafford Intermediate School – Plumbing/HVAC (Manahawkin, NJ)

• Thornapple Kellog High School – Plumbing (Middleville, MI)

• Western Suffolk BOCES – Wilson Tech – HVAC (Dix Hills, NY)

To learn more visit explorethetrades.org/explore-the-trades-skills-lab.