The construction industry and related trades are facing significant skilled labor shortages; the outlook suggests the shortfalls will continue and likely become worse. However, at the same time, high school programs supporting career pathways in these trades are growing, realizing considerable interest and seeing strong enrollment. In some areas of the country, these programs have long waiting lists.

These programs offer real-life, hands-on experience in live work locations using modern equipment and solving real problems. The value of this opportunity is the profound impact it can have on a young person’s mind, motivation and options for life after high school.

Case in point: Students from Highline Public Schools in the Seattle area participated in McKinstry’s inaugural Heavy Metal Summer Experience. They spent their summer at McKinstry’s fabrication shop, learning the basics of sheet metal, plumbing, piping and HVAC service, and what it takes to build a long successful career in the construction and energy industries.

McKinstry is dedicated to innovating waste and climate harm from the built environment. It hosted the event to introduce high school students to union career opportunities in the skilled construction trades and, ultimately, spark excitement in the next generation of innovators. 

Beyond learning hands-on skills, participants experience a more engaging way to learn and practice critical thinking, problem-solving, collaborating and developing specific technological and interpersonal abilities needed in the industry.

‘That’s what I want to do’

This free six-week program features a dozen 2 1/2-hour training sessions led by McKinstry’s skilled trades team members, who guide participants through completing projects, introduce them to industry professionals, usher them through tours of local apprenticeship and training facilities, host a visit to an active jobsite and celebrate at the end with a graduation ceremony. 

With safety at the forefront, participants receive personal protective equipment, work boots from Redwing and tools from Milwaukee Tool, and a tour of the shop where safety guidelines are reviewed. McKinstry also partnered with the school district to ensure transportation and translation needs were met.

First on the schedule: exploring the plumbing trade. During these sessions, students familiarize themselves with the skills common in the field and learn how to safely use the tools to construct two projects from copper pipe: a picture holder and a jewelry stand.

Next, students visited Local 32 Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Refrigeration & HVAC Union and Local 66 Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, where they toured the facilities, were introduced to equipment used in the field, learned about steps to becoming an apprentice and constructed projects with guidance from program instructors and current students. 

One student had a strong reaction while out in the field. “At Local 32, I fell in love. I think that’s what I want to do,” A’Xavier, a graduated senior, shares.

Sheet metal sessions followed where, again, the students familiarized themselves with the tools and equipment used in the field, constructing two projects: a steel trash bin and a toolbox. These projects were linked to the information they received on their visit to Local 66 and allowed the students to showcase the knowledge they obtained there.

To round out the program, over the final two weeks, the students were treated to real-life work experience and introduced to McKinstry Service. This leg of the program gave them true insight into the daily lives of service/HVACR/plumbing techs, along with a tour of an active jobsite — the University of Washington Power Plant. 

The program ended with a peek into the pipefitting trades, where the participants learned how to read project designs to construct a threaded pipe shelf. 

Spark the Innovator Inside

“I’m proud of everyone involved and the work going into this opportunity for these students to explore what we do here at McKinstry and what the industry and trades are really like,” shares Adam Campbell, McKinstry’s superintendent of new construction mechanical. “We had a great time working with the students over the last few weeks!

“The first few meetings were focused on plumbing, then the participants were taken on field trips to experience the training our apprentices receive in plumbing, pipefitting, refrigeration and sheet metal. The students have been very engaged and are asking great questions.”

Students who participate may each have a different reason it is valuable to them. Some are looking to explore career paths within construction, like Josh, a graduated senior who shared: “My family members are part of the construction industry. I have always had an interest in construction. Plumbing has been my favorite. I see myself joining a trade but haven’t decided which one. I want to see what options I have.” 

Others, like Subeg, a graduated senior, might want to learn new skills by completing fun projects in a professional fabrication shop: “I like welding and working with my hands. Doing it with groups is more fun, and it builds friendships and bonds. Learning new skills, you become a better person.” 

And for some, coming away from the experience with professional recommendations for a higher education pathway or a future in the trades is worth their summer hours. Subeg adds: “The projects have been fun. You can mess up and have a little laugh, but I felt like it made me learn more about the outside world. Getting a little experience in a workplace could give me more opportunities for the future.”

Those in the construction industry and related trades are at a turning point. There is an opportunity to make the most of trends and shifts in education to fuel our industries with new and enthusiastic minds. 

Increasingly, students are seeking career pathways that are alternatives to college. Many, like A’Xavier, Josh, Subeg and Antonio (quoted in our headline), are eager to get to work right away and excited to learn these skills that, at one point, seemed as though they were fading away.

Young people want real-life, hands-on experiences and understand the value they can play in determining their future. It is our responsibility to nurture their learning mindset, positive outlook and spark the innovator in each of them.