Ferguson announced a $100,000 investment in a summer program to introduce young people to careers in the skilled trades. The funding will support 62 hands-on camps across the U.S. and Canada run by the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a nonprofit offering immersive training for students ages 15 to 20. Participants receive up to 40 hours of project-based instruction, including fabricating sheet metal toolboxes, assembling copper pipe lamps, and wiring DIY air conditioning units.
Camps provide real-world jobsite experience
Students work under the guidance of experienced tradespeople at contractor facilities and training centers. The camps also link participants directly with pre-apprenticeship programs, registered apprenticeships, and potential employers.
Melissa Hazelwood, Ferguson’s Director of Social Impact, said the initiative has expanded beyond its original scope. “HMSE gives young people the chance to work with their hands, build confidence, and envision a future in the trades,” she said.
One camper, Nathaniel, explained how the program opened his eyes to new possibilities. “The opportunities here will shape my future in the trades,” he said.
Program grows from 28 students to over 1,000 in five years
HMSE began in 2021 with 28 students and has since grown quickly. The organization expects to serve over 1,000 students during the 2026 camp season.
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Ellen Young, HMSE’s Executive Director, noted that the partnership with Ferguson provides students with a firsthand look at the skilled trades. “The program started small but has now reached thousands, reflecting a broader industry commitment strengthened by philanthropic partners like Ferguson and by the response from students, parents, and trades professionals eager to mentor the next generation,” she said.
The initiative aligns with Ferguson’s goal to connect 50,000 young people with skilled trades careers by 2030. The company also backs other workforce development groups, including the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and Tools & Tiaras.
Hazelwood emphasized the importance of early exposure. “By meeting young people where they are, we’re showing them what’s possible in these careers,” she said. “Our focus is on building a pipeline so the next generation can sustain essential services.”
For students like Nathaniel, the experience has already changed their outlook.
