Unique Metal Works (UMW) and MJ Daly, both Arden Building Companies subsidiaries, recently hosted transformative Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) camps to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Located in Rhode Island and Connecticut, the immersive, hands-on programs introduced high school students and recent graduates to careers in the skilled trades. Arden’s participation reflects its commitment to workforce development amid a national shortage of skilled tradespeople.
Unique Metal Works’ Second HMSE Camp Built on 2024 Success
Unique Metal Works (UMW) hosted its second annual HMSE camp in Pawtucket, RI, building on the success of its inaugural program in 2024.
Eight students completed over 24 hours of hands-on instruction in sheet metal, plumbing, pipefitting, and welding. Under the mentorship of UMW’s union tradespeople, students completed projects such as a soldered “Pipe Man” sculpture, a welded metal star, and a custom-fabricated toolbox. A collaborative ductwork assembly project offered students a practical glimpse into how components come together on a jobsite.
The camp concluded with a graduation ceremony on July 24, 2025, featuring remarks from Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and UMW President Norman Brothers, who led the program along with Susan Avakyan, UMW Controller.
Brothers emphasized the enduring value of the skilled trades in today’s evolving workforce. He expressed pride in the campers’ growth and dedication, stating:
“When you learn a trade—a skill—nobody can ever take that away from you. No matter where you are—Rhode Island, Maine, Florida—that trade stays with you. They say AI is coming for everybody, but AI is not coming for the sheet metal workers, the plumbers, the pipefitters, or the electricians. It might make our jobs easier, but you still need the hands and the skills.”
The ceremony served as both a celebration of student achievement and a powerful reminder of the enduring value of skilled trades in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Scenes from UMW’s HMSE Camp
MJ Daly Hosts Connecticut’s First HMSE Camp
MJ Daly hosted Connecticut’s first-ever HMSE camp, welcoming four participants for a three-week introduction to mechanical contracting. Students explored welding, copper and plastic piping, and sheet metal work, gaining foundational skills and career insights.
Ed Carvalho, President of MJ Daly, said:
“We’re just trying to open their eyes to the opportunities available. This camp is about showing students that there’s a path forward that doesn’t require college debt and offers real, rewarding work.”
MJ Daly partners with local apprenticeship unions across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, helping students transition from camp to career through earn-while-you-learn programs. These apprenticeships provide a direct route into the workforce, equipping students with skills and income from day one.
Eighteen-year-old James P., one of the camp’s participants, shared his enthusiasm: “I’ve always liked working with my hands. There’s something rewarding about doing it yourself. You can always learn to do it.”
The camp wrapped up with a graduation ceremony on July 25, 2025, which was attended by sponsors including the MCA/MSCA of Connecticut, Inc. and DEWALT Industrial Tool Company.
The MJ Daly Camper Experience
Hands-On Training and Classroom-Style Sessions Help Students Envision a Future in the Trades
Both camps combined hands-on training with classroom-style sessions covering union pathways, jobsite safety, and blueprint reading. These lessons helped bridge technical skills with career planning, giving students a clear view of opportunities in the trades.
The impact is already visible—Olive Chouinard, a graduate of UMW’s 2024 camp, is now a full-time member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 17. “I used to know nothing about sheet metal work, but I knew I wanted to work in the trades,” she shared. “Without this camp, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Several students from this year’s program have expressed interest in staying connected with UMW to explore future job openings, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Arden Leadership Emphasizes Strategic Importance
Robert M. Bolton, CEO of Arden Building Companies, affirmed the company’s commitment to trades education:
“We owe our success at Arden Building Companies to the men and women who work in the field and in the trades, and their training is essential to everything we accomplish. Without the skilled trades and the opportunities created through programs like this, we simply couldn’t deliver our projects. That’s why it’s so important for companies like ours to actively support these workforce development initiatives today, to ensure we have the talent we need to build the future.”
Meeting the Workforce Challenge
With the construction industry facing a nationwide shortage of over 500,000 skilled workers, programs like HMSE are more vital than ever. They offer students hands-on experience, industry insights, and direct connections to employers—helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
MCAA congratulates Arden Building Companies, Unique Metal Works, and MJ Daly on their successful events and encourages all members to consider hosting a HMSE camp. Visit the HMSE website to learn more.
