My primary goal for writing regular columns for PHC News is to encourage, promote, highlight and share clever technology uses in the sheet metal and construction industries. In these discussions, we often read about how our workforce is shrinking and needs new blood. You may have heard this a time or 20 at events you attend, in podcasts you listen to, or in other articles related to construction work or trades in general.

For this column, I want to talk about some innovative ways I see people approach the worker shortage itself — beyond augmenting, enhancing or otherwise further improving the efficiency of the processes and workers we currently have. Some interesting initiatives are trying to fill the funnel with young people interested in joining our industry. 

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a resurgence in shop, or industrial arts, classes, as well as trade-specific programs in schools across the country. These career and technical education programs, once on the decline, are making a comeback, signaling a shift in how we view education and career preparation. 

For decades, shop classes and vocational programs were integral to the American education system. It should be no surprise to anyone, especially children, that the focus has shifted toward college-preparatory curricula; vocational programs were gradually phased out. The result was a generation of students unprepared for the skilled trades, leading to a widening skills gap. 

Today, we are slowly starting to see a reversal of this trend. Schools are reintroducing these programs, driven by the growing demand for skilled labor, the desire for alternative career pathways and the recognition that not every student needs or wants a traditional four-year degree.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) is one excellent example of this movement, which plays a pivotal role in building youth interest in construction trades. It provides a hands-on, immersive experience that is educational and inspiring.

HMSE was founded by Angie Simon of Western Allied Mechanical, Rick Hermanson of Hermanson Co., as well as Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association -Western Washington, with the goal of sparking interest in construction trades among young people. 

The program is designed to give students a taste of what it’s like to work in the construction industry. Participants engage in various activities, from basic sheet metal, piping, plumbing and welding to advanced projects requiring teamwork and problem-solving skills. It typically runs during the summer months, allowing students to fully immerse themselves, visit jobsites and learn about various jobs in the skilled trades.

The impact of HMSE is profound. Many participants have gone on to enroll in trade schools or apprenticeships, armed with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Testimonials from former participants highlight the program’s role in changing their perceptions of construction work and opening new career paths.

Camps are hosted nationwide by training centers and contractors using advice and templates created by HMSE. This year’s slate of union shop host companies is already set, but I highly encourage anyone curious to check out the website and speak to other contractors or trades about working together to host a camp in your area next year. It is as rewarding for the hosts as it is for the campers.

Trade Schools Show Resilience

The success of HMSE is part of a broader trend: a growing interest among young people in construction and trade careers. In a recent DC Journal op-ed by SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger, we learn that this shift is driven by several factors, including the rising cost of college education and the realization that skilled trades offer lucrative and rewarding career opportunities.

Schools with robust shop and trade programs see positive results, reports ProBuilder. Innovative curricula blending traditional academics with hands-on training produce students who are not only job-ready but also enthusiastic about their future careers. Partnerships with local businesses and trade organizations further enhance these programs, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Trade education offers numerous benefits. Students gain practical skills immediately applicable in the workforce. They also learn critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career. For many, trade programs provide a viable and attractive alternative to the traditional college path.

Also, an interesting and encouraging trend is emerging, as the number of students enrolling in trade schools has varied over the past few years. Specifically, data indicates a slight overall decline in postsecondary enrollments, including trade schools, from fall 2021 to fall 2022, but this decline was relatively small at less than 1 percent, explains the National Center for Education Statistics.

The American Council on Education notes that while traditional four-year college enrollments have experienced drops, trade schools and vocational programs have shown some resilience. Enrollment in less-than-two-year institutions, which include many trade schools, saw slight decreases overall, but certain demographics have experienced enrollment increases during this period.

Moreover, specific studies and reports suggest that interest in trade programs might be growing in certain regions and among specific groups, potentially driven by the increasing recognition of the value of vocational training and skilled trades in the job market. This is particularly relevant as the construction industry and other skilled trades work to overcome labor shortages and shift their public image.

Shift the Narrative

Despite these positive developments, the construction industry still faces stereotypes and misconceptions about our professions. Many still view construction jobs as low-paying, low-skill and undesirable. This negative image makes it more challenging to attract young talent and fill the skills gap.

As an industry, we can engage in even more activities that illustrate how the reality is quite different. We, of course, know construction careers offer excellent pay, job stability and opportunities for advancement. Our people are in high demand, and the work they do is critical to our economy and infrastructure. However, these positive aspects are often overshadowed by outdated perceptions.

One place I focused on heavily as part of The Helm Group and look to continue now as a part of SMACNA is education and community outreach. I speak at schools with local industry leaders and community organizations on how to work together to promote trade programs and the benefits of construction careers. 

Industry leaders and associations have a significant role to play. Initiatives such as public awareness campaigns, mentorship programs and partnerships with educational institutions can help shift the narrative. Involving former participants and successful tradespeople as ambassadors can also make a powerful impact. A push could include using the media and public events to reach a wider audience and change public perceptions.

The resurgence of shop classes and trade programs is a positive development for our education system and workforce. Programs such as The Heavy Metal Summer Experience are leading the way, demonstrating the value and potential of trade education. 

However, to fully realize this potential, we must use every asset at our disposal to make a difference. By changing perceptions and highlighting the benefits of construction careers, we can attract the next generation of skilled tradespeople and ensure a brighter future for all.

Travis Voss is SMACNA’s director of innovative technology and fabrication. In this role, he aids member contractors in identifying the critical technological trends within the industry and assists them in remaining at the forefront of these developments. Before joining SMACNA, Voss worked for Helm Mechanical as its leader of innovative technology. He serves his local community as a volunteer firefighter.