INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: HEAVY METAL SUMMER EXPERIENCE comes to Chicago

In the next 5-7 years, 41% of the construction workforce nationwide is set to retire, leaving quite an experience gap in our industry. In response to this growing need for future workers, the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) was born.

In 2021, Western Allied Mechanical, Hermanson Company, SMACNA-Western Washington and SMACNA National teamed up to introduce high school students and recent graduates to careers in the building trades. Built to offer hands-on learning, students between the ages of 15-19 are exposed to sheet metal, piping, plumbing and electrical trades, and many tour active jobsites and union training facilities for a glimpse at local apprenticeship programs to see firsthand what it takes to succeed.

Now three years into the program, HMSE has grown from just two pilot locations to more than 40 camps throughout the U.S. and Canada. This summer, SMACNA Greater Chicago is pleased to count member contractor Sheet Metal Werks among the camps in 2024, and the first in the Chicago area!

“We love the mission and what HMSE is trying to accomplish for our industry,” said Kevin Ryan, CEO of Sheet Metal Werks. “Let’s face it, college isn’t for everyone. By hosting a camp, we want to introduce students to the earn-while-you-learn concept and promote that the sheet metal trade is a good career choice. Not only is it okay to become a skilled worker, but you can make an outstanding living at the same time!”

For nearly 35 years, Sheet Metal Werks has been an industry leader in sheet metal and phenolic duct fabrication. The company’s services include custom Thermaduct and KoolDuct fabrication — innovative systems that resist mold, bacteria and fungal growth. 

During their camp Sheet Metal Werks will provide 30 hours of sheet metal instructional experience.  Ryan’s team also plans to develop the first ever Thermaduct/KoolDuct project for use in the HMSE program.

SMACNA Greater Chicago associate members DeWALT and Milwaukee have partnered with HMSE at the national level to provide a tool bag free of charge to all HMSE student participants.