BLOOMINGTON, Minnesota — The 2026 Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson equipment grant recipients were announced May 6 in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day.

Explore The Trades (ETT) received a record number of applications for this year’s grants, which the organization said demonstrates an unprecedented interest in career and technical education among students, educators, and school communities across the country. From this competitive pool, 18 schools were selected for the Skills Lab equipment grants.

The latest grants are projected to reach more than 2,100 students during the upcoming school year, helping to provide hands-on access to skilled trades education and exposing learners to high-demand, well-paying career pathways, an ETT press release said. Since the program launched in 2021, the Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson initiative has experienced rapid growth, delivering equipment to 49 high schools and four middle schools in 21 states.

Ferguson Enterprises, a major distributor of HVAC, plumbing, waterworks, pipe/valve/fitting products, appliances, and building supplies, is the grant program’s founding partner, leading the effort to equip schools with the resources needed to grow skilled trades education, the press release said. Ferguson funds the equipment grants and provides the tools, resources, and ongoing support schools need to establish or expand skilled trades laboratories.

Since 2024, SkillCat has been a partner of the Skills Lab program, providing grant recipients with free access to its accredited, online training platform for instructors and students throughout the academic year. SkillCat’s coursework includes industry-recognized certifications, helping students build foundational skills and prepare for in-demand careers in the trades, the press release said.

“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.”

“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 of 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.”

The newest Skills Lab grants recipients are:

• Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Camden County Technical Schools, Sicklerville, New Jersey
• Delsea Regional High School, Franklinville, New Jersey
• East Orange Campus High School, East Orange, New Jersey
• Gloucester High School, Gloucester, Virginia
• Hunterdon County Vocational School District, North Campus, Flemington, New Jersey
• La Center High School, La Center, Washington
• La Follette High School, Madison, Wisconsin
• Millstream Career Center, Findlay, Ohio
• New Horizons Regional Education Center, Newport News, Virginia
• Northeast Metro 916 Career and Technical Center, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
• Northwestern Area School District, Mellette, South Dakota
• Patchogue-Medford High School, Medford, New York
• Pennsauken High School, Pennsauken, New Jersey
• Pinelands Regional High School, Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
• Stafford Intermediate School, Manahawkin, New Jersey
• Thornapple Kellogg High School, Middleville, Michigan
• Western Suffolk BOCES — Wilson Tech, Dix Hills, New York