Heavy Metal Summer Experience 2024
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| HMSE is an opportunity to introduce High School students to the building trades as an alternative career path to college. SMACNA-KC partnered with MCA-KC, The Builders' Association, our many labor partners, Mark One Electric Company, Inc., and a huge number of sponsors, vendors, and volunteers to bring this camp to Kansas City to help develop the next generation of skilled construction professionals. |
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Day 1
We began our day with 30 High School Students representing 21 different schools and one home-schooled student at the Builders' Association Training Center. Parents were invited to stay for the opening session and learn about the various building trades, the benefits of Union Employment, and our apprenticeship programs. The participants all received a free pair of Red Wing safety shoes courtesy of HMSE's national organization, their partnership with Red Wing, and the fundraising they do for this program. The students participated in activities with the Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' Local 518, Bricklayers Local 15, Painters District Council 3, and other construction-related topics, including safety. |
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Day 2
The Experience continued on Day 2 at the Plumber's Local #8 Training Center. The students had some hands-on time with DeWalt power tools and then split into groups to learn more about the plumbing trade and create a ladder golf project. |
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Day 3
Day 3 took place at the Pipefitters Local 533 Training Center. Students got some experience with virtual welding and a VR safety lab, and then they learned about soldering while creating their initials out of pipe. Michelle Beck with Design Mechanical provided a tower-building competition activity. |
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Day 4
The fourth day of HMSE was spent at the SMART Local 2's Apprentice Training Center. It began with a forklift demonstration by Herc Rentals. The students split into three groups and alternated between virtual welding and hands-on work, creating a toolbox, octagon container, and a lampshade that they will combine with their Day 5 project at Mark One. |
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Day 5
The final day of HMSE began with fire extinguisher training presented by the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department using fire extinguishers donated by Keller Fire & Safety. Friday's activities were hosted by Mark One Electric Co., Inc. Students split into two groups with one touring an industry vendor, MKS Pipe & Valve Co. and the other getting some hands-on experience building and wiring a desk lamp. Parents began arriving in the early afternoon for the graduation and awards ceremony. Top participants for each day of the camp were identified and awarded a certificate and a QT gas card, and in some cases, a trophy. Each participant was acknowledged as a graduate of the program and given a certificate, an HMSE medal, and an amazing set of DeWalt tools. Parents and students then celebrated with cookies and ice cream and time to socialize. |
| It was an action-packed week of unique experiences and hands-on opportunities to learn more about the building trades in Kansas City as well as interact with our many contractors and vendors. SMACNA KC sincerely thanks all of the volunteers, contractors, vendors, donations, trade unions and trade organizations for their part in making this experience one of a kind and a huge success! |