Blog
Building Futures: MCAKC's Heavy Metal Summer Experience Empowers High School Students in the Building Trades
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience - Kansas City (HMSE-KC) has successfully concluded its three-day camp with 31 high school students who participated in this immersive program. Organized by MCAKC and SMACNA-KC, in collaboration with trade partners SMART Local 2, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8, and Pipefitters Local 533, the camp aimed to introduce high school students to the world of building trades. The program provided hands-on activities, safety training, and valuable insights from experienced professionals, leaving the participants excited about the possibilities of a career in the trades.
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience - Kansas City (HMSE-KC) has successfully concluded its three-day camp with 31 high school students who participated in this immersive program. Organized by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City (MCAKC) and SMACNA-KC, in collaboration with trade partners SMART Local 2, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8, and Pipefitters Local Union 533, the camp aimed to introduce high school students to the world of building trades. The program provided hands-on activities, safety training, and valuable insights from experienced professionals, leaving the participants excited about the possibilities of a career in the trades.
HMSE-KC kicked off at the Builder's Training Center, where each participant was equipped with a pair of new Red Wing Boots. The orientation was led by Mindy Rocha, a distinguished board member of the MCAKC, providing students with a glimpse into the journey they were about to embark on. The importance of safety was emphasized during the overview by Lockton. Following orientation, we traveled to SMART Local 2 Training Center where the students participated in a virtual welding activity and metal bending where they created tool trays.
The second day of the program was packed with practical experiences for the students. Starting at the Plumber's Local 8 Training Center, the participants engaged in activities such as snapping cast iron pipes, brazing, soldering copper pipes, and threading steel pipes to create a functional shelf. The enthusiasm of experienced and retired Local 8 members, eager to share their trade with the younger generation, added an element of inspiration to the day.
After lunch, the group moved on to the Pipefitters Local Union 533 Training Center. Here, the participants learned how to use a chain fall to rig, hoist, and move items on construction sites. Additionally, they exercised their math skills by creating 2-foot-tall letters, spelling out "HEAVY METAL." The combination of hands-on activities and practical application made the day both enjoyable and educational.
On the final day, the students were treated to a job site tour courtesy of Turner Construction Company, providing a real-world glimpse into the construction industry. Following the tour, they gained insights from Local 518, delving into the art of drywall finishing, glass cutting, and cement masonry. The day culminated with a heartwarming graduation ceremony, featuring Melt Box Ice Cream and cookies as a celebration of their achievements. Notably, each student received a tool bag full of Milwaukee Tool and DEWALT tools to encourage and support their future endeavors in the trades.
Throughout the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, the dedication and involvement of each student were recognized and celebrated. SMART Local 2, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8, and Pipefitters Local Union 533 awarded special prizes to outstanding students at their respective training centers. Eli Allen, Lexus Steele, and Carter Portell were honored for their exceptional performance, embodying the spirit of hard work and commitment.
This Kansas City event was a collaboration between Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City and SMACNA-KC alongside our trade partners SMART Local 2, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8, Pipefitters Local 533. We are grateful to our local sponsors MKS Pipe & Valve, Ferguson Enterprises, Lockton, Milwaukee Tool, and Builders Training Center.
HMSE-KC would not have been possible without the generous contributions and support from both national and local partners. National sponsors, including Milwaukee Tool, DEWALT, SMACNA, Procore Technologies, Mestek Machinery, Trane, Red Wing Shoe Co., MCAA, NECA, and Trimble Inc., played a pivotal role in providing safety gear, boots, and tools to the students, empowering them to pursue their dreams in the trades.
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience - Kansas City was undoubtedly a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of 31 high school students. By collaborating with various trade partners and local sponsors, MCAKC and SMACNA-KC have not only introduced these young minds to the building trades but have also opened doors to a world of opportunities and careers. The lessons learned, experiences gained, and connections forged during this three-day camp will serve as a solid foundation for these students as they begin their journey towards fulfilling and rewarding careers in the construction industry.
View pictures and videos from our HMSE-KC event!
Watch this video by Channel 41 KSHB about our HMSE-KC Program.
