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
Jun 3, 2026 - Seattle event brought together contractors and union members to hear from SMART President Todd Hill, SMART General President Michael Coleman and iTI Executive Director Michael Harris on how to strengthen the industry.
Jun 3, 2026 - SMACNA’s Immediate Past President talks to NBC 10 news about the value of a career in the skilled trades.
Jun 3, 2026 - Study examines how back charges arise, how contractors respond, and which practices lead to successful outcomes