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Unique Metal Works (UMW) recently hosted a Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), the first-ever in Rhode Island. HMSE is a free 30-hour camp for high school students, exposing them to the sheet metal, piping, and plumbing trades.
The camp was led by Norman Brothers, UMW president; Susan Avakyan, controller at UMW; and their entire office and trade staff. Students received hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication and installation workflow, including safety procedures, estimating, 3D BIM process package workflow, duct construction, welding, and rigging, while working alongside craft professionals.
Norman first heard about HMSE in November 2022 from his YouTube feed, which focused on sheet metal work. After watching videos of students gaining hands-on experience and learning that HMSE was created to provide alternative college options and address the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage, he decided to conduct further research. He discovered camps in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, and learned that SMACNA, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, presented a camp in Arizona. Norman’s interest was piqued, and he expressed his desire for UMW to host a camp. In March 2023, at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) convention, Norman visited the HMSE booth during the trade show segment of the event. He talked with Angie Simon, president and co-founder, about his interest and agreed to host a camp in 2024.
Robert Bolton, CEO, Arden Building Companies, and Norman Brothers, president, Unique Metal Works (left) join students and craft professionals.
HMSE provides hosts with a wide range of resources, including documentation, project samples, and marketing materials. They also offer a liaison to assist hosts throughout the planning process and an opportunity to learn from previous camp hosts through sample itineraries, lessons learned, and town hall discussions. Thanks to donations from national sponsors, the HMSE camp is free to students.
UMW had eight students from various trade and traditional high schools participate. They were hesitant and quiet at first, but after a short time, they became fast friends. “I’m sure some lifelong friendships have been developed here,” said Susan.
The students learned the processes and procedures to safely fabricate sheet metal, including bending, forming, cutting, and welding. They worked with their mentors – craft professionals – on several projects: a duct box, toolbox, and 5-pointed star. They did so well that they had time to fit one more in: creating HMSE letters cut and welded together. As their last task, the students learned rigging using a scissor lift to install a hoist and lift heavy items.
While working in the fabrication shop, students had the opportunity for discussions with UMW’s craft professionals and to hear stories about working in the field. They also spoke with apprentices and journeymen about the stages of career progression. The students and mentors developed a relaxed and fun learning environment. Additionally, the students worked on a plumbing project at their sister company, Arden Engineering Constructors (AEC), located just next door. They worked with copper pipe soldering to create the “Pipe Man.”
Norman Brothers (left) and Susan Avakyan (middle) join HMSE students with their completed projects.
Representatives from Local 17 Sheet Metal Workers and Local 51 Plumbing & Pipefitters visited the camp to speak about apprentice programs, how to apply, labor rates, and what to expect if they join the union. Homans Associates and Duro-Dyne also provided a demonstration that tied into the duct box project and the cable hangers for installation.
The last day of HMSE was the students’ graduation. Norman started the event by introducing the students; Mike and Jennifer Zoll, HMSE representatives; Robert Bolton, CEO of Arden Building Companies; and Donald R. Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket. Susan called each student up to receive their HMSE metal and certification of completion. Parents of the students attended the ceremony, followed by an opportunity to tour the fabrication shop and talk to the craft professionals and staff. Once the ceremony commenced, students were asked to sign their name on the official HMSE/UMW 2024 banner and then hoisted it for display with their newly learned skills.
Students and UMW craft professionals in front of the completed HVAC duct and HMSE letters projects
Following, a few people spoke about their HMSE experience:
Rob Williams, foreman, shared that he enjoyed working with the students and made them aware of the opportunity this event provided whether you use it now or in the future. He went on to say, “Whatever you guys do, just give it your all.”
Dennis Hennessey, foreman, expressed that he had a great time working with these talented students. He went on to say, “Own your craft. College cost vs. trade, you can take pride in work and say I installed that.”
Kylee Monteiro, upcoming senior at Attleboro High School, said, “I had so much fun, and this has made such a big impact on my welding career. All the mentors were amazing, from Susan and Norman always trying to make us feel special, to Sean teaching me that the saw was not so scary and it wasn’t going to kill me, to Brandon teaching me not to give up on myself so quickly, and to Steve telling me my hand on my hip was not going to get any work done. It was all worth it, every second. The students and the mentors made this such an amazing program. I’m so happy I got to do this. Thank you all for making this such an amazing time.”
Since Unique’s HMSE event, three students who attended have reached out to join the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 17.
Students attending HMSE represent the following schools: Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fall River; The Met High School, Providence; Charles E. Shea High School, Pawtucket; Attleboro and Seekonk High Schools; and Arts High School, Newark, N.J.
Special thanks to our Local Sponsors: Local 17, Sheet Metal Workers, Imperatore Corporation, Furnace & Duct Supply Company, ADC Air Distribution Corporation, Northeastern Sheetmetal, Homans Associates, Buckly Associates, North-Star Metals, Inc., Armacell, Duro Dyne, and Sunbelt Rentals.
