As the horizon approaches where the entire baby boomer generation will reach retirement eligibility by 2030, an exciting opportunity presents itself: the chance to redefine the skilled trades landscape. While the shortage of skilled professionals is being felt, the next five years offer a promising era for transformation.

With a building boom on the horizon, ongoing efforts to encourage young talent to explore trade careers gain traction. However, there remains a collective understanding that more work lies ahead. This pursuit demands innovation, the removal of barriers, and, most importantly, the integration of underrepresented groups, notably women. In an industry where women constitute just 10 percent of the U.S. construction workforce, it's evident that there's untapped potential awaiting exploration. Stepping into this realm with fervor, Ferguson has come forward as a founding sponsor of Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP), an organization poised to catalyze positive change by fostering community, empowerment and resounding success among women in the skilled trades.