SMACNA in the News

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  Nonprofit program aims to teach high school students trade skills

  May 31, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Heavy Metal Summer Experience director Angie Simon discusses Gen Z’s rising interest in trade jobs on ‘Fox News Live.’

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  Federal Judge Orders Department of Defense to Reinstate Project Labor Agreements

  May 30, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  The Department of Defense directed contracting officers in February to halt use of PLAs on large-scale projects; a judge has now ordered a reversal on this policy

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  Good Morning America: How trade schools are redefining the path to success

  May 22, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  High school students are skipping college and learning trades instead, earning as much as  $70,000 after graduation.

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  Seattle manager combines sheet metal work with technology

  May 21, 2025 — Media Mention

  Over her 13-year career in the industry, Liz Fong has become an expert in software management, process development and coding.

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  CNN with Audie Cornish: College vs. Trades: Is a Four-Year Degree Still Worth It?

  May 21, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  HMSE Co-founder Angie Simon discussed college versus the trades as options for today's students on CNN with Audie Cornish. 

• Has the Pendulum Finally Swung from College Degrees to Skilled Trades?

  May 13, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Building off the momentum of the recent feature in The Wall Street Journal, the co-founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience talks to Michael Smerconish about the need for high schools to revitalize vocational education.

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  Sheet Metal Leaders Call for Tax Cuts to Tamp Down Tariffs’ Impact on the HVAC Industry

  May 9, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Tariffs, idled steel plants, and vanishing exemptions put sheet metal industry on edge

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  The High-School Juniors With $70,000-a-Year Job Offers

  May 7, 2025 — Media Mention

  Companies with shortages of skilled workers look to shop class to recruit future hires; ‘like I’m an athlete getting all this attention from all these pro teams’

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  Protecting Lone Workers: Enhancing Safety for Maintenance and Repair Personnel

  Apr 11, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  “Lone workers in the maintenance and repair industry face unique challenges that require proactive safety measures,” says Timothy J. Brink, CEO of MCAA

• Virginia Focus - Careers in Trades

  Apr 11, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  With college debt becoming a major issue, many Gen-Z’ers are attracted to the trades as an alternative and as an immediate entrance to a rewarding and well-paying job.

• Living Better in San Diego - National Careers in Trade Week highlights the benefits of careers in the skilled trades

  Apr 10, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Listen Now: Aaron Hilger, CEO of the non-profit Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, discusses the benefits of working in trades.

• Aaron Hilger Careers in Trades Interview: KVLY-TV (Fargo, ND)

  Apr 8, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger highlights the benefits of joining the trades during National Careers in Trades Week on KVLY-TV, North Dakota Today.

• SMACNA Releases Major Updates to Two Duct Construction Guides to the Trades

  Apr 7, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  New editions introduce expanded bracing options, updated sizing tables and enhanced duct design capabilities.

• Senate Votes to Block Trumps Emergency Powers

  Apr 7, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  In a letter, SMACNA's Stan E. Kolbe, Jr. warned that "tariff penalties aimed at Canada for non-trade objectives have already caused harsh and unnecessary economic pain for U.S. workers..."

• SMACNA Updates Duct Construction Guides

  Apr 7, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  The two new editions introduce expanded bracing options, updated sizing tables, and enhanced duct design capabilities.

• Industry groups launch National Career In Trades Week

  Apr 7, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  The organizations are boosting their marketing to Generation Z as a way to close the labor gap.

• Trade schools vs. traditional college

  Mar 31, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Aaron Hilger, CEO of the non-profit Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association talks connecting students to skilled trades. National Careers in Trades Week will kick off April 7th-11th.

• National Careers in Trades Week: Exploring options

  Mar 24, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  With college debt soaring and becoming a major issue today, many Gen-Z’ers are attracted to the trades as an alternative and as an immediate entrance to a rewarding and well-paying job.

• National Careers in Trades Week to Spotlight Opportunities Across the U.S.

  Mar 13, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Skilled trade careers are gaining traction nationwide, with bipartisan support driving a surge in career and technical education programs.

• Careers In Trades Week Highlights Young People’s Interest in the Trades

  Mar 13, 2025 |1 min read — Media Mention

  Perspectives on continued education have shifted in recent years, particularly among young people who are more likely to choose a trades career than in the past.

Media Inquiries

For Media Inquiries, please contact: Susannah Forde Executive Director of Marketing & Communications