ServiceTrade Supports Heavy Metal Summer Experience to Build the Future of the Trades
Addressing the Technician Shortage Through Youth Education
The skilled labor shortage continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing commercial service contractors today. To help address this critical issue, ServiceTrade is proud to announce our silver-level sponsorship of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) program.
What is the Heavy Metal Summer Experience?
HMSE is an innovative career workshop series that introduces students across the U.S. and Canada to rewarding careers in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades.
In 2024, the program reached approximately 500 students across 36 locations, and is set to expand to 54 locations serving nearly 900 students in 2025.
During the program, students engage in hands-on learning experiences including:
- Operating advanced mechanical equipment
- Learning basic electrical and plumbing skills
- Participating in real-world problem-solving scenarios
- Meeting successful professionals in the trades
- Exploring modern technology used in service work
The program stands out for its inclusivity, with 18.7% female participation, helping to break down traditional barriers in the trades.
Why This Matters: Insights from the Field
Our recent 2025 Technician Insights Report reveals that technicians overwhelmingly view their profession as a path to a strong financial future. They particularly value:
- Problem-solving opportunities
- Helping customers
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Clear career advancement paths
Breaking Down Barriers to Entry
According to our research, several key factors discourage young people from entering the trades:
- Lack of awareness about career opportunities
- Misconceptions about pay and benefits
- Limited exposure to hands-on technical work
- Uncertainty about career advancement
HMSE directly addresses these barriers by providing students with:
- Real-world exposure to modern trade work Information about competitive compensation
- Clear paths to apprenticeships and career advancement
- Connections with local employers and mentors
Looking to the Future
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience program represents a crucial step toward addressing the technician shortage crisis. By introducing students to hands-on learning experiences and connecting them with apprenticeship opportunities, the program helps build a pipeline of skilled workers for the future.
Why ServiceTrade is Invested
As a company dedicated to optimizing field performance and supporting commercial service contractors, ServiceTrade recognizes that solving the technician shortage requires both immediate and long-term solutions. Our support of HMSE aligns with our mission to help contractors build stronger, more efficient service teams while ensuring the future of the trades remains bright.
The program’s expansion from 36 to 54 locations in just one year demonstrates the growing momentum behind this initiative.
Get Involved
Contractors can support this important initiative in several ways:
- Host a summer experience program at your facility
- Sponsor local HMSE events
- Provide mentorship opportunities
- Connect with HMSE graduates for apprenticeships
Visit hmse.org to learn more about hosting or sponsoring a program in your area.
Together, we can build a stronger future for the trades and ensure a pipeline of skilled technicians for years to come.
Billy Marshall, founder of ServiceTrade, recently joined ACHR’s The NEWS podcast to share his perspective on the importance of improved technician efficiency, smarter workflows, and planned maintenance.
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