How Can Hands-On Trade Camps Shape Students’ Career Paths?

December 16, 2024

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) is a nonprofit initiative designed to introduce high school students to the construction trades. Formed by members of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), this program offers hands-on experience in various trades, aiming to spark interest in construction careers among teenagers who might not otherwise consider this path.

The Genesis of HMSE

Founding and Early Days

The HMSE began back in 2021, establishing its first camps in the Seattle area and the San Francisco Bay Area, with a primary emphasis on HVAC and metalworking. Even though its initial reach was limited, the significant potential of the program was quickly recognized, leading to substantial growth. By 2024, the program expanded to 36 camps throughout the U.S. and Canada, engaging 500 students in a variety of hands-on trade experiences. Angie Simon, the driving force behind HMSE and the national president of SMACNA in 2020, was instrumental in the camp’s creation. Together with her colleagues, Simon sought to captivate young minds and introduce them to trade careers that are frequently overlooked in traditional high school settings.

Collaboration and Program Design

To ensure the program effectively captured the attention and interest of students, Simon and her team collaborated with prominent HVAC services firms such as Hermanson Co. in Seattle and Western Allied Mechanical in Union City, California. These collaborations birthed a comprehensive 36-hour hands-on program, spanning over six weeks. Throughout this period, high school students or recent graduates were immersed in workshops that offered practical experiences in HVAC, metalworking, and other essential construction trades. This method of direct involvement was designed to provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these vocations, challenging the misconceptions that often surround the skilled trades.

Impact on Students’ Career Choices

Alejandra Rios’ Journey

Alejandra Rios discovered a world of possibilities when she stumbled upon a flyer for HMSE as a high school junior. Though she had some background in metalwork through her high school jewelry classes, HMSE opened her eyes to broader career opportunities. Participating in the camp led Rios to pursue a career in marine maintenance for the Port of Seattle, a path vastly different from the technical college or accounting tracks she had previously considered. The hands-on experience and mentorship she received through HMSE shifted her aspirations and set her on the course toward an apprenticeship, with the goal of eventually achieving journeyman status.

Reuben Umanskiy’s Transformation

Another compelling success story is that of Reuben Umanskiy, who initially had little interest in trade careers. Influenced by his robotics teacher, who suggested HMSE as a productive alternative to summer video gaming, Umanskiy reluctantly joined the camp. However, the hands-on construction experience soon kindled a passion within him, leading him to return to the program the following year with genuine enthusiasm. After graduating high school, Umanskiy secured a position as a material handler with Hermanson in Seattle, attributing his career direction to the practical exposure and newfound interest HMSE provided.

Structure and Flexibility of the Program

Tailored Camp Experiences

Simon’s methodology for the HMSE program was centered around creating an adaptable framework, which she referred to as “the easy button.” This detailed playbook empowered interested partners to run their camps independently without depending on a centralized organization. This flexibility led to a variety of tailored camp experiences. Some camps were conducted in union training centers, while others took place in contractors’ shops. The focus areas also varied, with some camps honing in on specific trades like plumbing, pipelaying, or electrical work, and others experimenting with different program lengths and schedules to best fit their participants and locales.

Daily Camp Operations

The hands-on nature of the HMSE program is perhaps best exemplified by the camp operated by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City. Executive Director Stacy Zerr emphasized that their camp’s daily schedule runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., underscoring the intensive and engaging nature of the activities. The primary objective of this rigorous schedule is to ensure students leave with a palpable sense of accomplishment, having used their hands and minds to create something meaningful. This format is designed to provide satisfaction and instill a strong work ethic, preparing students for the demands and rewards of careers in the skilled trades.

Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage

Bridging the Gap in High School Education

Rios’ and Umanskiy’s experiences underscore a broader issue within high school education: the lack of exposure to practical trades. Prior to attending HMSE, neither student had seriously considered a career in construction, having only seen jobsites from a distance. This lack of direct involvement represents a significant gap. High school education often omits hands-on trade experiences, which prevents students from discovering and developing any inherent skills or interests in these areas. HMSE aims to address this by offering students a chance to explore new activities and potentially uncover latent talents and passions.

Call to Action for Contractors

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience is a nonprofit initiative established to introduce high school students to the construction trades. Founded by members of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), this program aims to provide hands-on learning opportunities across various construction disciplines. The primary goal of HMSE is to ignite an interest in construction careers among teenagers who might not initially see this industry as a viable career path. Beyond just providing technical skills and knowledge, the Heavy Metal Summer Experience also focuses on demonstrating the rewarding aspects of construction work, including the sense of accomplishment that comes with building something tangible and essential. The program also seeks to address the growing demand for skilled labor in construction, aiming to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. By offering a real-world glimpse into construction trades, HMSE empowers young individuals to consider and pursue careers in areas such as sheet metal work, air conditioning, and other related trades.

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