HVAC Skills Lab Grant - Refurbish an Existing Plumbing or HVAC Skills Lab

HVAC Skills Lab Grant - Refurbish an Existing Plumbing or HVAC Skills Lab

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Explore The Trades
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Summary

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

Overview

The skilled trades are facing a critical workforce gap. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 165,000 annual job openings are projected in the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical (PHCE) trades over the next decade. Yet, for every five retirees, only two new workers are entering the field—highlighting the urgent need to inspire and train the next generation. Since 2021, over 3,500 students across 35 schools have explored careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical through the ‘Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson’ equipment grant program. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to equip middle and high school students with hands-on learning opportunities in the skilled trades. Explore The Trades Skills Lab Explore The Trades is focused on bridging the technical talent gap to the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical. Ferguson is committed to strengthening the communities it serves with a focus on the skilled trades. Together, both organizations are dedicated to building the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The focus behind this program is to bring hands-on trades education to middle and high school students and give them the opportunity to develop lifelong skills that can be turned into a career. Explore The Trades is proud to continue our partnership with SkillCat to further enhance the student experience and complement existing curriculum. All school recipients receive free access to SkillCat’s online, accredited training platform for both instructors and students during the academic year (approximately nine months). Grant funds will be allocated as follows: $10,000 worth of product and equipment available to those applying to update an existing skills lab.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Middle and high schools (grades 6-12) located in the U.S. and Canada, including public, private, CTE or charter schools.

Ineligibility

Schools that have received a Skills Lab award previously are not eligible.