Blueprints for Success: Building Effective Internship Programs in the Construction Industry
Attracting and retaining top talent is a persistent challenge in the sheet metal industry. This session features a panel of successful contractors who have built impactful internship programs. They’ll share their expertise on structuring internships that offer hands‑on learning, real assignments, and intentional mentorship—key elements that set top-performing programs apart.
Attendees will gain practical insights into:
- Partnering with schools and clearly defining roles
- Ensuring interns work on real projects with regular feedback
- Converting interns into full-time hires
- Utilizing tools for program design, orientation, and evaluation
Whether you’re launching a new initiative or enhancing an existing one, this panel‑driven session provides proven strategies and real-world blueprints to strengthen your future workforce.
Speakers
Co-Founder, Heavy Metal Summer Experience; Former President, SMACNA
Angie Simon is a past SMACNA President (2019-2021) and Advisor to the Board of Western Allied Mechanical in Menlo Park, California. Simon has risen through the ranks at Western Allied Mechanical, starting as a project manager in 1987.Under her guidance and leadership, the company has grown its annual revenue from $50 million to more than $110 million. She is applauded as a trailblazer and visionary for her passion to retain and recruit a more diverse workforce, both at Western Allied Mechanical and across the industry. She is also the Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a summer camp for high schoolers to teach them about the sheet metal and mechanical industry.
Former President, SMACNA; Former President, The Waldinger Corporation
Guy Gast is the retired past President of The Waldinger Corporation - Iowa Division. The Waldinger Corporation employs over 2000 construction and service professionals in the Midwest and is a premier MEP and truck-based service provider.
Principal, Hermanson
Christopher Gourley is a seasoned industry leader with nearly 30 years of experience and a deep passion for mentorship, relationship-building, and community impact. Throughout his career at Hermanson Company, Chris has worked in nearly every facet of the trade, starting as a material handler, apprentice, and foreman, and advancing into roles in project management, sales, and business development.
Operations Manager, Southland Industries
As an Operations Manager at Southland Industries, Bryce Barler brings over 20 years of experience in the mechanical contracting and project leadership industry, with a specialized focus on delivering high-performance solutions across healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, sporting venues, and research facilities. Bryce has overseen the full project lifecycle—from planning and design to execution and closeout—ensuring mechanical, plumbing and controls systems meet the unique demands of each environment.
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