Building off the momentum from National Career in Trades Week, the spotlight continues to shine on efforts to build interest in a career in our industry.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience was featured in a recent article in Forbes magazine, detailing the partnership between SMACNA and member firms Hermanson and Western Allied Mechanical. Angie Simon, co-founder and Executive Director of HMSE, discussed how the program has evolved since its inception in 2021 and the impact it has on developing the next generation of workers for our industry.
SMACNA recently launched National Career in Trades Week, an effort to highlight the work being done in our industry, such as that being done by HMSE, to improve awareness of the opportunities available to our young people through a career in the skilled trades. To learn more about National Career in Trades Week, click here. To read the Forbes piece on HMSE, click here.
Sep 3, 2025 — Member Update
Jan 7, 2026 - Justin Bankston from SMACNA Premier Partner Milwaukee Tool walked us through some of their product offerings, including new lines focused on enhancing worker safety.
Jan 7, 2026 - TJ Stock from SMACNA Premier Partner Johns Manville detailed some of their new duct liner solutions and why their products are vital to emerging jobsites such as data centers.
Jan 7, 2026 - Award honors forward-thinking leaders from SMACNA member companies and the winner will be announced and recognized at the upcoming MEP Innovation Conference!