Students training for trade vocations

Free day camp introduces job opportunities in Mechanical Construction (HVAC & Plumbing)

Roseville, Calif.- Intech Mechanical, a Mechanical Contractor located in Roseville, CA recently hosted a Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). This was a FREE 6-day camp which introduced high-schoolers and recent graduates (ages 17-18) to union job opportunities in Mechanical Construction (HVAC & Plumbing).

While we understand the value of college, we also understand that college is not for everyone. Careers in the building trades are often not known to be an option, but HMSE highlights the very real possibility of another route.

Hands-On

During HMSE participants received hands-on experience, safety training, and exposure to a wide variety of options open to them in the building trades. This camp was also a chance to see what other opportunities there are in the non-union side of our business.

Through five, 4-hour training sessions led by construction professionals, students learned the basics of HVAC & Plumbing Service, Sheet Metal & Piping.

To start off the week, the students were fitted for and were able to pick out brand new boots, sponsored by Red Wing Shoes. The students took a tour bus to visit the UA Local 447 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center, Northern CA Valley Sheet Metal Training Center and an active job site at American River College. Then, at the end of the week, a graduation for the students was held where they each received certificates of completion, medals and brand-new Milwaukee tool kits.

This was a wonderful experience had by all and plans are already in the works for hosting the Heavy Metal Summer Experience in the upcoming years!

Graduation Ceremony

Student Feedback

At the end of the camp, we asked for some feedback from the students on their thoughts of the program, and if they felt it was beneficial.

Here are a few responses:

What did you enjoy most about this program?
“Trying out all of the equipment and building our project. Also, the field trip was very fun as well.” – Anonymous

Would you recommend this program to others looking to get into the trades and construction industry?
“Yes, I would, I learned a lot”- Anonymous

How has this experience changed your opinion of joining the trades?
“Yes, before I didn’t much about the trades and didn’t even consider trade school but now the option is on the table for me.”- Anonymous

We also asked our Vice President Gary Myers as to what made Intech participate in the program, and what was the greatest reward.
What made Intech want to participate as a contractor to host HMSE?

“Giving young HS students other opportunities other than college. Plus, as an industry we are challenged at replacing the work force that is retiring.”

What was the greatest reward that came from hosting the camp?

“Two things. Love seeing the students get excited about the opportunity and like to see their parents see another avenue for their kids that won’t put them in debt.”

WHY EXPLORE A CAREER IN THE TRADES?

Great pay, exciting projects, equity & opportunity. The building trades offer so much variety- whether you love the idea of using your tech skills to “pre-build” systems in CAD; enjoy helping people remain safe and comfortable where they live, work, dine, and shop; or you want to build things with your own hands – construction just might be the place for you.

Learn more at https://www.hmse.org

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