This summer marks a milestone for Hermanson Company: five years of hosting the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) at our Kent, WA headquarters.
What began in 2021 as a pilot camp in partnership with Western Allied has grown into an annual tradition that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Today, HMSE includes more than 50 camps across North America and Canada, all focused on exposing students to careers in the mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal trades.
At this year’s camp, we welcomed 20 local high school students for 4 weeks of hands-on learning and career exploration. Campers worked side-by-side with Hermanson professionals, gaining hands-on experience in sheet metal, piping, electrical, detailing, and more. From tool safety to fabrication basics, the campers were able to see firsthand what it takes to build the systems that keep buildings running.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Graduates
We’re proud to celebrate the graduation of this year’s campers. Their interest, energy, and curiosity made another year of success. We’re excited to see where their journeys take them, and we hope to welcome some of them back into the industry down the road.
As a special moment, company founder Jerry Hermanson joined us for the graduation ceremony to show his support for the students and the future of our industry.
Thank You to Our Team
A huge thank you goes out to the Hermanson employees who volunteered their time to support this program, leading demos, guiding projects, and mentoring students throughout the week. Your leadership and willingness to share your knowledge make HMSE impactful year after year.
Special Thanks to Our Partners
This program wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of our partners and sponsors.
Program Sponsors:
For the full list of national sponsors, visit the HMSE website.
Trade Partners / Local Partners:
A key part of the HMSE experience is the opportunity for students to explore various trades firsthand. Campers toured local Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs) and participated in hands-on activities at each location. We are incredibly grateful to the following partners:
Moving Forward
At Hermanson, we believe that investing in future tradespeople means investing in stronger communities. Programs like HMSE help us create meaningful pathways into the skilled trades and build a more prepared, passionate workforce for years to come.
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