Article talks about work force development and how heightened efforts to recruit high-schoolers into professions such as plumbing, electrical work and welding have helped spur a revitalization of shop classes in many districts.
SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger and Angie Simon, co-founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, were featured in a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal on revitalizing shop classes in the United States.
Heightened efforts to recruit high-schoolers into professions such as plumbing, electrical work, and welding have helped revitalize shop classes in many districts. The private sector is partnering with high schools to enable students to work part-time, earn money, and get academic credit.
The piece looks at SMACNA’s and HMSE's efforts, as well as the experience of a high school in the Philadelphia area and how its tech students are in high demand for their skillset.
Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article. (Subscription Required)
May 7, 2025 — Member Update
Jul 2, 2025 - A longtime friend of SMACNA Contractors and Co-Sponsor of the Infrastructure Act also passed important construction procurement reforms and defense base retrofit laws.
Jul 2, 2025 - Critical safety resource has been recently updated and revised by SMACNA’s Safety and Health Committee to align with current best practices and regulatory standards.
Jul 2, 2025 - Joint letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged Congress to prioritize critical policy areas needed to maintain a robust construction industry and support American workers and businesses.