Building the Future: How JRGF is Supporting the Heavy Metal Summer Experience

The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) is proud to support the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE)—a fast-growing, hands-on program introducing high school students to careers in the skilled trades, including mechanical and plumbing construction.

Beginning next week and continuing through the summer, 51 HMSE camps will take place across the U.S. and Canada. These camps are hosted by contractors, Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs), and partners from all areas of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades. Organizers expect more than 700 students to participate this year, making it the largest summer yet for the program.

HMSE connects students with real-world construction environments where they can learn about tools, safety, basic trade skills, and the teamwork that defines jobsite culture. For many, it’s their first direct exposure to a career path in construction—and that exposure matters.

This mission aligns directly with JRGF’s core purpose: to support career development, workforce recruitment, and public education about mechanical and plumbing construction. By sponsoring HMSE, JRGF is helping expand the program’s reach into more communities, opening the door to industry careers for a broader and more diverse group of students.

As the mechanical and plumbing industry faces continued labor shortages, JRGF sees HMSE as a key part of the solution. It’s not just awareness—it’s activation. Students walk away from the summer with hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clearer path toward apprenticeships or other training opportunities.

JRGF’s investment in HMSE is one more way the foundation is building the future—supporting the next generation of talent and ensuring the long-term strength of our industry. To learn more about the program, visit the HMSE website.