Celebrating the Success of the Third Annual Heavy Metal Summer Experience in Kansas City

• By: MCAKC
• On: 07/29/2024 17:24:36
• In: News

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City (MCAKC) in collaboration with the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association – Kansas City (SMACNA-KC) has just wrapped up its third annual Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE)! This week-long camp, held from July 15 - July 19, 2024, gave thirty high school students hands-on training in skilled trades like plumbing, pipefitting, sheet metal, electrical, and building trades.



An Immersive Experience for Young Trade Workers
The camp was hosted by MCAKC and SMACNA-KC in collaboration with Mark One Electric, Pipe Fitters Local 533, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8, SMACNA-KC, SMART Local 2, and The Builders (a chapter of the AGC). HMSE is designed to give young people practical skills and exposure to various trades. Throughout the week, students took part in daily workshops, such as learning to mold sheet metal into a lamp shade, solder their initials, and fabricate a ladder toss game. The best part? They got to take home everything they made.

This program's success is due in large part to the support from local signatory contractors, manufacturers, and volunteers who donated invaluable time and resources to make this experience possible.

 

Bridging the Gap in the Workforce
“We are fortunate to provide an opportunity to expose young adults to a new path after high school that leads to a lifelong career. Some people may never consider a career in construction if they do not know it is an option or know the first steps in applying; here we help open that door. Showing the value of the union trades with the Heavy Metal Summer Experience is a huge first step,” says Mindy Rocha, President of CJ Industries and MCAKC Board Member.

Even with the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry is booming nationally, especially in Kansas City. Growth is predicted to be up to 3% annually over the next decade. This growth means we need a steady influx of qualified craftspeople, especially as the current workforce nears retirement age.



Fostering Career Awareness
HMSE aims to raise awareness among high school students about the career opportunities available in the building trades. Apprenticeships in these fields offer the advantage of earning while learning. Programs like HMSE are crucial in promoting diverse career options and ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers to meet our growing infrastructure needs. MCAKC and its partners are working to create a more inclusive workforce in the trades.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
Our 2024 Kansas City HMSE would not have been possible without the incredible support from our local donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Your contributions have made a significant impact, allowing us to provide daily breakfast, all project materials, and additional exposure to mechanical contracting opportunities.

BA Supply
Border States
Burns & McDonnell, Charlie Cox & Andrew Healey
CJ Industries, Mindy Rocha
Design Mechanical, Inc. Michelle Beck
DeWalt, Taylor Girzzell & Tina Beach
Herc Rentals, Jen Scher, Lorraine Cutshall, and Robert King
Johnson & White Sales Co., Ryan Epstein
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department
Keller Fire & Safety Inc.
Lockton
Milwaukee Tool, Matt Henderson
MKS Pipe and Valve, Cheri Harris, EJay Cahill, & Steve Adams
P1 Service, LLC, Alex Pannell & Connor Hayes
Pro Metals, LLC, Jon Olivarez
The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City, Bob Jacobi
U.S. Engineering Construction, Hannah Thomazin
Victaulic, Tucker Hewitt

Feedback from Our Camp Community
We received some amazing feedback from both students and parents about their experiences this year at the camp. Here are a few highlights:

“Kansas City's HMSE has been a wonderful experience. As someone interested in pursuing a career in construction this camp has opened my eyes to the possibilities of the industry and has helped me make connections with industry partners. The connections I have gained through this camp will help and support me throughout my endeavors. HMSE has also been very gracious to provide us students with proper PPE, quality boots, and tools for our careers in the skilled trades.” – HMSE Student, 2024

“At the beginning our daughter thought she wanted to going into welding. After seeing there are other trade opportunities she found that she not only enjoyed welding but soldering and sheet metal work. It's given her a broader view and opened her mind to other possibilities that she may not have otherwise been aware of. This program allows kids to try things they may not know exist or knew were available to them.” – HMSE Parent, 2024

“Heavy metal camp is a great way to learn about some careers that are very well paid, keep you out of an office, and require skill and intelligence. The projects are fun and expose you to different trades and the skill sets involved. The food is amazing, as well as the provided boots and PPE [Personal Protective Equipment]. Even if you think you aren't interested in the trades, you should come to this camp, you will be surprised and learn a lot of useful skills.” – HMSE Student, 2024

These testimonials show just how impactful the Heavy Metal Summer Experience has been for everyone involved.



Building On Success
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience has once again proven to be an essential program for our Kansas City community. By equipping young people with hands-on skills and exposing them to career opportunities in the trades, we are helping to build a brighter future for Kansas City and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. We look forward to continuing this journey together and making an even greater impact in the years to come.