06/03/2026
We're incredibly proud to see the impact of skilled trades education continue to grow across the country.
What began as a personal passion for our co-owner, Lara Beltz, to promote skilled trades careers led her to become involved with Explore The Trades, helping advance a nationwide effort that is introducing thousands of students to rewarding careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades.
This year, a record number of schools applied for the 2026 Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson grants, with 18 schools selected to receive equipment and resources that will help introduce more than 2,100 students to careers in the skilled trades.
We're especially excited to see our hometown's Millstream Career Center among this year's recipients, creating even more opportunities for local students to explore careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.
Congratulations to all of the schools, instructors, and students helping build the future workforce. The momentum behind the skilled trades has never been stronger, and we're honored to support the next generation of trade professionals.
https://www.inddist.com/workforce-development/news/22966938/ferguson-skilled-trades-lab-award-grants-to-18-schools
The distributor says it aims to introduce 50,000 young people to the trades by 2030.