At a Glance
- The construction industry faces a shortage of skilled workers as older tradespeople retire and fewer young people fill these roles.
- The Heavy Metal Summer Experience program, started by Western Allied Mechanical and others in 2021, aims to attract high school students to the trades.
- Dee Cramer, an HVAC company in Michigan, has hosted the program, offering hands-on experience and exposure to various trade careers.
- The program helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, showcasing opportunities beyond traditional roles, including virtual design.
- Participants gain insights into the construction industry, seeing it as a field of innovation, technology, and collaboration, not just manual labor.
- Early results are promising; out of 50 participants at Dee Cramer, several have committed to pursuing careers within the company.
- The initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople and strengthen the construction industry’s future workforce.
In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, the construction industry faces a significant challenge: a declining workforce in the skilled trades. As experienced tradespeople retire, fewer young individuals are stepping forward to fill these roles, leading to a gap that threatens the industry’s future viability.
This shortage of skilled workers underscores the urgent need for initiatives that can attract and inspire the next generation. “The declining interest in trades is a real concern,” said Steve Hunt, VP Preconstruction at Dee Cramer, in a recent interview. “Our industry relies on skilled professionals; without them, we face significant hurdles.”
Recognizing this critical issue, mechanical contractors and trade associations are stepping up to create a solution through the Heavy Metal Summer Experience program, an immersive experience in the trades for high school students. The program was pioneered by Western Allied Mechanical, Hermanson Company, SMACNA-Western Washington, and Construction for Change in 2021. Since then, it has grown to include dozens of partners and hosts across the U.S. and into Canada.
By offering hands-on experience and exposure to the dynamic world of trades, the program aims to ignite passion and provide young people with a clear pathway to rewarding careers in the construction industry.
Dee Cramer, a family-owned full-service HVAC sheet metal contracting or construction and service business based in Holly, MI, has hosted the program for the last several years. The company started with two classes at its facilities in Holly and Saginaw, MI, and it expanded to classes in a third facility in Wixom, MI, in 2024.
“We believe in showing students the real opportunities that exist within the trades,” says Marcus Ebenhoeh, BIM manager.
Program Goals and Vision
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience is designed to ignite interest in HVAC and other construction trades among young people. By providing hands-on experience and direct exposure to real-world scenarios, the program aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
“Young people don’t understand how many career paths exist in a company like Dee Cramer working in sheet metal,” explains Hunt. “There are so many different opportunities in all of the trades, especially with virtual design and construction. A career working for a sheet metal contractor, plumber, pipe fitter, electrician or other trades can entail working in a virtual environment.
“Our goal is to spark a passion for the trades,” he adds.
Impact on Students
The program has already made significant strides in influencing students’ career perspectives. Participants gain valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of the construction industry, equipping them with skills and confidence to pursue a career in the trades.
“It’s incredible to see the transformation in students as they learn and realize the potential of a career in construction,” notes Ebenhoeh.
The experience demystifies the industry, showing students that construction is not only about hard hats and hammers but also innovation, technology, and collaboration.
Early Success and Future Potential
While it’s too early to measure the full impact of the program, initial results are promising.
“We’ve had 50 kids go through the program at Dee Cramer so far, and four of the seniors have signed on to work here,” says Hunt. “We anticipate probably a handful more when they graduate high school and are available to go to work. Time will tell, because the students are so young. They’ve got to get through high school and choose between college or the trades. But early signs are that it’s making a big difference.”
Empowering the future through initiatives like the Heavy Metal Summer Experience is more than just a mission for Dee Cramer; it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
By addressing workforce challenges and inspiring young minds, they are paving the way for a more robust and innovative construction industry. As the program continues to evolve and expand, its impact will undoubtedly resonate, cultivating a workforce ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s construction projects.
