Bloomington, Minnesota: 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. 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.”
Congratulations to the following recipients! 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, please visit our website.
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983
About Explore The Trades
Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is committed to bridging the technical talent gap to the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical service trades. The organization is focused on bringing the skilled trades conversation back into the classroom by providing classroom materials and on-demand resources for educators, parents, and students.
About Ferguson
Ferguson (NYSE: FERG; LSE: FERG) is the largest value-added distributor serving the specialized professional in our $340B residential and non-residential North American construction market. We help make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful and sustainable by providing expertise and a wide range of products and services from plumbing, HVAC, appliances and lighting to PVF, water and wastewater solutions and more. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., Ferguson has sales of $29.6 billion (FY’24) and approximately 35,000 associates in nearly 1,800 locations. For more information, please visit corporate.ferguson.com.