Ferguson is investing big in skilled trades education. Melissa Hazelwood joins host Andrew Brown to reveal how they're building trades labs for plumbing, HVAC & more.
Join host Andrew Brown on The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades as he talks with Melissa Hazelwood, Director of Community Relations at Ferguson, about how one of America’s top plumbing and HVAC distributors is helping solve the trades labor crisis. From building hands-on training labs with Explore the Trades to investing in K-12 career awareness, Ferguson is reshaping how young people discover and enter high-paying trade careers.
Discover why early exposure matters, how Ferguson’s Skills Lab program works, and how companies can step up to support trades education in their own communities.
In This Episode:
(02:15) — Why early exposure to the trades matters
(07:40) — Spotlight on “Castle Jarrett” and student engagement
(14:30) — Inside the Ferguson Skills Lab initiative and its national reach
(23:10) — The role of parents, guidance counselors, and social perception
(32:45) — Women in construction: tools, tiaras, and trade camps
(41:00) — Advice for companies wanting to support skilled trades education programs
Key Takeaways:
Trade careers for kids should be introduced early through hands-on play, mentorship, and relatable role models.
The Ferguson Skills Lab initiative is a groundbreaking example of private industry investing in skilled trades education programs.
Explore the Trades partnerships help connect contractors, schools, and community leaders to offer scalable, real-world training.
Programs like women in construction training camps are essential to diversify the trades and empower the next generation of builders and problem-solvers.
About the Guest:
Melissa Hazelwood is the Director of Social Impact at Ferguson, where she leads initiatives that support skilled trades education programs through national partnerships like the Explore the Trades partnership. She plays a key role in the Ferguson Skills Lab initiative, which has already reached thousands of students across the U.S. Her work bridges industry expertise and community service, ensuring that trade careers for kids remain a visible and viable path—especially through her support of women in construction training camps and other inclusive outreach programs.
Melissa shares how Ferguson's community-first mindset and collaboration with organizations like Explore the Trades are creating real social impact in the trades industry. Whether you're a parent, contractor, educator, or just passionate about craftsmanship, this episode is filled with insights on the future of trades careers and how we can all play a role in supporting the next generation of tradespeople.
Keywords:
Skilled trades education programs, Trade careers for kids, Ferguson Skills Lab initiative, Explore the Trades partnership, Women in construction training camps, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Melissa Hazelwood, Social Impact, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council
Resource Links:
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkhazelwood/
Ferguson website: https://www.corporate.ferguson.com/esg/story-hub/news-details/2024/Building-the-future/default.aspx
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