Ferguson is donating $100,000 to the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) to introduce the next generation of builders, plumbers, and technicians to careers in the skilled trades. The financial support will fund 62 hands-on summer camps across the United States and Canada, offering thousands of young people the chance to receive training, mentorship, and professional tools.
HMSE operates an immersive summer camp program designed for youth ages 15 to 20. The camps focus on high-paying careers in the sheet metal, piping, plumbing, and electrical industries. Students spend up to 40 hours on project-based training inside local employer-contractor facilities and training centers.
Participants tackle actual construction projects under the guidance of professional tradespeople. They fabricate sheet metal toolboxes, build copper pipe lamps, and wire DIY air conditioning units. This practical approach helps bridge the gap between high school and a long-term career in the skilled trades.
Program staff, board members, and volunteer instructors facilitate direct career pathways. They introduce campers to pre-apprenticeship programs, registered apprenticeships, and potential employers. This network of connections gives students a clearer view of their future options.
“Ferguson’s partnership helps HMSE give students something many have never had before: the chance to see the skilled trades up close, work with their hands and imagine a future in an industry ready to welcome them,” said Ellen Young, executive director for HMSE.
Young noted that the organization began with 28 students in 2021 and has grown to serve more than 1,000 students in 2026. She attributed this expansion to an industry-wide commitment and the support of philanthropic partners like Ferguson. The response from students, parents, and trades professionals has been strong, with many eager to mentor the next generation.
Building a sustainable pipeline
Through education, community initiatives, and partnerships, Ferguson aims to connect 50,000 young people to the skilled trades by 2030. The company supports this goal through various programs, including collaborations with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Explore the Trades, and Tools & Tiaras.
By investing in initiatives that meet young people where they are, Ferguson helps them gain real exposure to potential careers. The focus remains on building a strong, sustainable pipeline so the next generation is prepared to step in and maintain essential community infrastructure.
“We’re certainly proud of our partnership with HMSE,” said Melissa Hazelwood, director of social impact for Ferguson. “By investing in programs that meet young people where they are, we’re helping them get real exposure to careers in the skilled trades and see what’s possible.”
Supporting trades programs offers a clear pathway to economic stability for many young people. The hands-on nature of these camps allows participants to build tangible skills and confidence. As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, these early experiences provide a critical foundation for a successful career in the construction and maintenance sectors.
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Historic restoration projects also benefit from this influx of skilled labor. Recent examples show how [victorian homes makeover](https://www.serigraphbanner.com/victorian-homes-makeover.html) efforts rely heavily on the specialized knowledge of modern tradespeople. The camps ensure a steady supply of talent for these demanding renovation tasks.
