"Exploring the trades is exactly what we've been doing intently since 2018," said Superintendent Michael Citta who, in his previous role as principal of South, implemented the SPEAR program, cultivating it along the way to what it is today. "So this Skills Lab is right in our wheelhouse, and we're so thankful for it. It introduces a new trades pathway within an already strong CTE infrastructure, led with such knowledge and passion by Mr. O'Leary. I cannot wait to see what our kids do with this new equipment, these new skills, and by working with Ferguson.
"This doesn't happen," Citta added, "without the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties funding this initial project, getting it off the ground and supporting it throughout. It just goes to show how far-reaching and impactful a community partnership can be."
Partnerships are, in fact, key to a career and technical education that prepares students for industry jobs.
"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. This year, we also
welcomed SkillCat as an in-kind donor, whose technical content will further enrich students’ education in
the trades. 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!”
The rapid and expanding emergence of the trades as a desired and potentially lucrative educational pathway is something High School South has been out in front of, thanks to the implementation of SPEAR and its appeal to a wide range of students.
"This has obviously become one of the most popular and talked-about programs in our school," said High School South Principal Kevin Raylman. "This grant is going to take our efforts to the next level."
Indeed, this lab will be an asset to the building on multiple levels. This past winter, for example, SPEAR students sprung into action to fix a broken pipe. If there are any heating or A/C issues at South in the future, it will be nice to a have a maintenance team AND some skilled students nearby.
"I'm not going to lie— the more HVAC skills we have on the premises, the better," added Raylman, with a smile.
Melissa Hazelwood, director of social impact at Ferguson 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.”
The 2024-2025 Explore the Trades grant recipients include:
- 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)
- Cape May County Technical School District – First electrical lab in the Skills Lab program (Cape May Court House, New Jersey)
See the list of recipients and read more about the program at the Explore the Trades website.
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.