service trades

12 Schools to Receive Support to Create and Update Plumbing & HVAC Labs The “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants were announced on May 1, 2024, in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day. Twelve schools are the newest recipients of the Skills Lab equipment grants, which are projected to reach over Read more

12 Schools to Receive Support to Create and Update Plumbing & HVAC Labs

The “Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants were announced on May 1, 2024, in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day.

Twelve schools are the newest recipients of the Skills Lab equipment grants, which are projected to reach over 1,000 students this upcoming school year. This dynamic program has experienced rapid growth since it began in 2021 and has now delivered plumbing and HVAC equipment to 26 schools and over 2,000 students nationwide.

“The national conversation around the importance of the skilled trades and technical education has reached a fever pitch this year,” noted Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director of Explore The Trades. “Trade education programs in communities around the nation are bringing the next generation to these industries. Our partnership with Ferguson has given school districts the opportunity to build skilled trades labs that enable their students to thrive. It’s so encouraging to see students discover the trades, develop a passion for them and know that those skill sets will benefit them in careers after high school graduation.”

“We are proud to partner with Explore The Trades and thrilled to see our shared vision of building a sustainable skilled trades pipeline come to life,” commented Melissa Hazelwood, Director of Social Impact at Ferguson. “With the recent surge of interest in trades careers and the substantial investments in our country’s infrastructure, the need for skilled tradespeople has never bee more apparent. Through our concerted efforts, we are not just providing students with tools; we are laying the foundation for lifelong careers. Our partnership has already impacted thousands of students, and we are excited to continue this journey. We are committed to investing in the next generation.”

Congratulations to the following recipients!

  • Appomattox County High School – HVAC (Virginia)
  • Bemidji High School – HVAC (Minnesota)
  • Callaway High School – HVAC (Georgia)
  • Gateway Regional – HVAC (New Jersey)
  • Ivy Academy – HVAC (Tennessee)
  • Lebanon County Career and Technology Center – Plumbing (Pennsylvania)
  • Mayfair Elementary and Middle School – Plumbing (Pennsylvania)
  • Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center – HVAC (Missouri)
  • Raymore-Peculiar Public School Foundation – HVAC (Missouri)
  • Saginaw Career Complex – HVAC (Michigan)
  • Thomas J. Corcoran High School – HVAC (New York)
  • Woodruff Career and Technical Center – HVAC (Illinois)

About Explore The Trades
Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is committed to bridging the technical talent gap to the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. 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.

Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive training solutions for the skilled trades, announced the launch of its new driving safety training. Designed to address the crucial need for workplace safety among trades companies worldwide, this innovative training can equip employees with the necessary skills to be safe and secure while driving on the job Read more

Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive training solutions for the skilled trades, announced the launch of its new driving safety training. Designed to address the crucial need for workplace safety among trades companies worldwide, this innovative training can equip employees with the necessary skills to be safe and secure while driving on the job.

Interplay’s newly introduced driving safety training offers courses tailored to the specific needs of trades companies. Employees will have access to training modules covering critical topics such as Aggressive Driving, Controlling Your Speed, Distracted Driving, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspections, Vehicle Backing Safety, Vehicle Incident Response, and more. By addressing these key areas, Interplay Learning helps employees drive more safely and confidently, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Employees can access the driving training from their phone, tablet, or desktop computer, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in their preferred environment. By offering flexible learning options, Interplay Learning sets a new standard for convenient and effective training delivery.

“We’ve learned from our customers that there are more safety incidents to and from the jobsite than on the jobsite. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce our driving safety training for the skilled trades,” said Dan Clapper, HVAC and Facilities Maintenance Market Director at Interplay Learning. “By equipping trades professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to drive safely, we empower them to succeed both on the job and on the road. With this new offering, Interplay Learning solidifies its position as the go-to resource for comprehensive training solutions for the skilled trades.”

Interplay’s commitment to comprehensive training is further highlighted by its one-stop-shop approach. In addition to driving safety training, Interplay offers an extensive array of hands-on technical training courses, including HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Multi-Family, and Facilities Maintenance, as well as other on-the-job safety-related training. By combining safety training with specialized skill development, Interplay Learning ensures that employees receive a holistic training experience to excel in their respective trades.

To learn more about Interplay Learning’s driving safety training and explore their full range of online training solutions, please visit www.interplaylearning.com.