SMACNA CEO Publishes Editorial on Need for Younger Workers in Trades

Piece penned by Aaron Hilger, run in newspapers in Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia talks about the benefits of a career in the trades for high school graduates.

Aaron Hilger

SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger recently wrote an op-ed for syndication regarding the value of a career in the skilled trades for rising high school seniors and recent graduates. The article, published in publications based in Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, talked about the growing need for young skilled workers as the industry is becoming flooded by the growth of megaprojects. Hilger spoke about the need to expand apprenticeship programs and vibrant high school technical education programs so the flow of skilled workers can meet the growing demand.

May 8, 2024 — Member Update

Latest Articles

The New Horizons Foundation Seeks Member Input for Prefab and Productivity Project

Jun 25, 2025 - Help us understand how HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors have changed their processes, technologies, and design efforts to enhance the impact of prefabrication.

SMACNA and SMART Urge Congress to Retain Key Tax Provisions

Jun 25, 2025 - Sheet Metal Industry Management and Labor Representatives are urging lawmakers to preserve incentives that promote manufacturing and energy-efficient buildings, along with tax credits that support skilled workforce development.

SMACNA Featured in Recent ACHR Article About 529 Plans

Jun 25, 2025 - SMACNA’s Stan Kolbe interviewed for story that highlights a proposal that would allow education-related tax-advantaged savings plan traditionally used for secondary education to be used for HVACR upskilling.