Heavy Metal Summer Experience Camp Inspires Youth in Trades

Students working on hands-on projects at the Heavy Metal Summer Experience camp.

News Summary

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience camp has successfully engaged high school students in skilled trades, receiving 175 applications for only 24 spots. Participants had hands-on experiences in HVAC, pipefitting, and welding while being equipped with tools worth approximately $3,000. This nonprofit initiative aims to ignite interest in trade careers among teenagers, highlighting the growing demand for skilled trades in the economy. The program not only provided essential skills but also fostered enthusiasm among youth for pursuing careers in the trades.

Las Vegas – The Heavy Metal Summer Experience camp, designed to engage high school students in skilled trades, recently concluded its sessions at the UA Local 525 facility. The camp, held from June 23, 2025, received an overwhelming response, with 175 applications submitted for just 24 available slots, demonstrating a marked interest in fields such as HVAC, pipefitting, and sheet metal among local youths.

Students from a variety of educational institutions, including comprehensive high schools, career and technical academies, charter schools, and private schools throughout Clark County participated. Notably, at least one attendee made the journey from Pahrump to take part in the camp’s activities.

Throughout the camp, participants engaged in practical workshops where they gained hands-on experience in building lamps using copper tubing, soldering for lamp frames, and running electrical wiring. The inquiry and motivation displayed by the campers were noteworthy, highlighting their potential interest in pursuing careers in skilled trades.

The camp is an initiative of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a nonprofit organization that aims to spark interest in trade skills among teenagers. This summer, nearly 900 students across 54 locations in the United States and Canada are benefiting from similar programs designed to support skills development in trades that are integral to the economy.

This year’s camp in Las Vegas expanded its reach by doubling its capacity from the previous year and adding more programming time. The participants underwent an assessment process through interviews, with a focus on ensuring that the most motivated individuals had the opportunity to enroll in the program.

Each camper was provided with approximately $3,000 worth of tools, including Milwaukee-brand tools and a pair of Red Wing boots, equipping them with essential gear for their future pursuits in the trades. The instruction was facilitated by experienced instructors and journeymen who acted as mentors throughout the various activities.

The curriculum emphasized practical skills, with activities that included soldering, welding, and fabrication. Campers were also given the chance to tour union training facilities, enhancing their understanding of the opportunities available in the skilled trades.

Many campers expressed their enthusiasm for the hands-on experience offered by the camp. For instance, one participant highlighted her background in welding and eagerness to further her skills in structural welding, showcasing the impact such programs can have on young people’s career aspirations. Another camper, a recent high school graduate, plans to attend trade school for HVAC, inspired by family members who found success in the industry.

The skilled trades present a viable career path, offering apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn. The expected salary for apprentices ranges from $45,000 to $111,000 annually, while journeymen can make between $101,000 to $123,000 annually. These apprenticeships are typically structured for five years, akin to a bachelor’s degree program, but without the burden of student debt.

Organizers noted that the skills acquired through trades training cannot be outsourced, underscoring their value in various sectors. Programs like the Heavy Metal Summer Experience play a crucial role in encouraging youth to consider careers in these fields, particularly in an era where skilled trades are in demand.

As the camp wraps up, participants take with them not only new skills and tools but also a newfound appreciation for the trades, setting a foundation for potential future careers in a critical workforce sector.