ServiceTrade Sponsors the Heavy Metal Summer Experience to Attract Young Professionals to Rewarding Trade Careers

DURHAM, NC and AUSTIN, TX — ServiceTrade, a software platform designed to optimize commercial service business operations, has announced its silver-level sponsorship of the career workshop series called The Heavy Metal Summer Experience. The program is supported by a dedicated group of trade industry associations, vendors, educators, and individuals. In its fifth year, the non-profit program aims to introduce students across the US and Canada to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing careers.   

“The growth of the mechanical construction industry relies on the next generation of workers,” said Angie Simon, President and co-founder of The Heavy Metal Summer Experience. “The program held camps at 36 locations across the United States and Canada and has achieved a 71% increase in participation with approximately 500 students enrolled in 2024. The program will have 54 locations and almost 900 students in the 2025 summer season.”

 

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience attracts students from all backgrounds and ethnicities, including 18.7% female students. It introduces students to all aspects of working in the trades, including hands-on learning and working with industrial materials. Students are provided with information on apprenticeship programs, trade specialties, local opportunities for further education, and information about careers in the industrial trades. 

Careers in the trades are gaining popularity among young people. Between 2020 and 2023, enrollment in vocational and technical programs grew by about 19% overall, while undergraduate college enrollment dropped by 8% in the same period, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Focused commercial manufacturing and repair trade program enrollment grew by 11% between 2021 and 2023 according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Trade school programs are also faster and less expensive than alternatives, with students finishing programs within two years and quickly finding employment after graduation. 

 

“We couldn’t be happier to support this important effort to bring more skilled professionals to the workforce,” said William Chaney, CEO of ServiceTrade. “Building a strong, dedicated workforce is a top priority for all contractors. With a shortfall of 14-20% skilled labor in the commercial fire and mechanical service markets, rapidly increasing demand, and a large population of skilled workers nearing retirement, this program couldn’t be more timely. We applaud the program’s mission and impressive results thus far. We look forward to working alongside its founders and our peers to ensure its success.” 

 

To learn more about the Heavy Metal Summer Experience visit www.hmse.org.