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 FloridaPennsylvania, 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


Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Resigns

Apr 22, 2026 - Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling will step in as Acting Secretary.


CBP Launches Online System To Process Massive Tariff Refunds

Apr 22, 2026 - The system, known as CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries), is designed to handle what could become one of the largest government refund efforts in U.S. history.


Registration for the June Council Meeting Ends Next Week

Apr 22, 2026 - If you are planning to attend the June Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting on May 31-June 2, 2026, in Quebec City, the deadline to register and book your hotel is April 30!