2025 McKinstry Heavy Metal Summer Experience

The 2025 McKinstry Heavy Metal Summer Experience introduced high school students to union career opportunities in the skilled construction trades including sheet metal, plumbing, piping, low-voltage, and service. The six week program, led by McKinstry skilled trades workers at our state-of-the-art Seattle manufacturing facility, allowed for students to gain knowledge of the industry, complete hands on projects and visit active job sites. Students also had the opportunity to tour Local 32, Local 46 and Local 66 facilities and ANEW where they were able to gain valuable insight into entering apprentice programs. This year, members of the McKinstry Unity Alliance joined the program to help students reflect on what they had gained. Together, they identified skills and experiences, crafted basic cover letter templates, and practiced mock interviews. The professional development opportunity encouraged students to see potential and take tangible steps toward what comes next.

This summer’s program concluded with a graduation ceremony celebrating this year’s cohort and all of their accomplishments. Their commitment to learning and growth highlights the promise of the next generation of builders and the critical role this new workforce will play in creating resilient, sustainable communities.