Ferguson, the nation's largest plumbing and HVAC distributor, partnered with nonprofit Explore The Trades to award skilled trades education grants to 18 high schools across the United States. The initiative targets schools in communities where access to quality career and technical education (CTE) programs remains limited. Each school receives funding to expand or establish hands-on training programs in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and related trades.

The grants fund equipment purchases, curriculum development, instructor training, and student certifications. Schools can acquire training furnaces, condensing units, refrigerant recovery machines, torch kits, and diagnostic tools — the same equipment students will use on the job. Some programs will add EPA 608 certification prep and OSHA 10 training directly into their coursework, giving graduates immediate employability advantages.

This expansion addresses the skilled trades labor shortage that continues to strain contractors nationwide. The HVAC industry alone faces a projected shortfall of more than 300,000 technicians by 2030 as retirements outpace new entrants. High school CTE programs create a direct pipeline from classroom to jobsite, producing entry-level techs who understand system basics, safety protocols, and tool operation before their first day on a crew.

Contractors should connect with these funded schools now. Offer summer internships, job shadowing days, or after-school mentorships. Students in these programs are already interested in the trades — they chose the elective. A single visit to a classroom can convert curiosity into five new hires over the next three years. Partner schools often host career fairs in spring; register early and bring a demo unit or recovery machine to show real work.

The long-term value extends beyond hiring. Contractors who engage with local CTE programs build community reputation, influence curriculum toward practical skills, and create loyalty before competitors even know these students exist. Schools want industry partners who provide real-world context for what students learn in the lab.