Pawtucket-based firm invests in youth, trades, and the future of the construction industry.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island— Unique Metal Works (UMW), a subsidiary of Arden Building Companies, recently concluded its third annual Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a national nonprofit workforce-development program that introduces high school students and recent graduates to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Founded in 2021 to address the growing skilled labor shortage, HMSE has quickly become one of the country’s most recognized construction career exploration programs. Supported by leading industry organizations and major national manufacturers and construction brands and hosted by local MEP firms, the program offers students free access to hands-on training, mentorship, and career exploration.
This year’s three-week immersive program hosted by UMW culminated in a graduation ceremony on July 23, 2026, where students were joined by family members, mentors, and company leaders to celebrate their accomplishments and learn about next steps toward careers in the building trades
Hands-On Learning Meets Real-World Experience
Throughout the program, 12 campers completed over 24 hours of hands-on instruction in sheet metal, plumbing, pipefitting, and welding. Under the guidance of UMW’s union tradespeople—who generously volunteered their time—students built a range of projects including a soldered “Pipe Man” sculpture, a welded metal star, and a custom-fabricated toolbox. A collaborative ductwork assembly offered a practical glimpse into how components come together on a jobsite.
Classroom-style sessions complemented the hands-on work, covering topics such as union membership pathways, jobsite safety, and the transition from digital blueprints to physical builds. These lessons helped bridge technical skills with career planning, giving students a clear view of opportunities in the trades.
This impactful experience was made possible through the pivotal leadership of Norman Brothers, president of Unique Metal Works, and Susan Avakyan, company controller, whose commitment to youth development and skilled trades education brought the camp to life.
Celebrating Achievement and Potential
The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Arden Building Companies CEO Robert M. Bolton, who congratulated the students and emphasized the importance of exploring careers in the trades to ensure the future strength of the industry. “The skilled trades offer meaningful, rewarding careers that are essential to our economy and infrastructure,” said Bolton. “This camp does more than introduce students to the trades; it gives them real-world experience, valuable industry connections, and a résumé-building accomplishment that can help open doors to future employment, apprenticeships, and career opportunities.”
UMW President Norman Brothers expressed pride in the campers’ growth and dedication, stating:
“When you learn a trade, nobody can ever take that skill away from you,” said Brothers. “Technology will continue to evolve, but our industry will always need skilled people who can build, fabricate, and solve problems with their hands. That’s why programs like HMSE are so important.”
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.
From Camp Participant to Apprentice
HMSE’s impact can already be seen in young people like Olive Chouinard, who attended the UMW camp in 2024 and is now a full-time member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, working full-time at Unique Metal Works. “I used to know nothing about sheet metal work, but I knew I wanted to work in the trades,” said Chouinard. “Without this camp, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Several students from this year’s program have expressed interest in staying connected with UMW to explore future job openings, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Meeting the Workforce Challenge
With the construction industry continuing to face significant workforce shortages nationwide, programs like HMSE play a critical role in building the next generation of skilled professionals. By providing students with direct exposure to the trades, industry mentors, and career pathways, HMSE helps bridge the gap between workforce demand and future talent while demonstrating that rewarding, high-paying careers are available without a traditional four-year college path.
As participation continues to grow, Unique Metal Works and Arden Building Companies remain committed to expanding awareness of skilled-trades careers and helping students discover pathways to rewarding, lifelong professions.
To learn more about the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, visit www.hmse.org.
About Unique Metal Works
Unique Metal Works, a subsidiary of Arden Building Companies, is a leading provider of sheet metal fabrication and installation services for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and institutional facilities throughout New England. Combining advanced fabrication technology, BIM capabilities, and highly skilled union craftsmanship, Unique Metal Works delivers innovative, high-quality solutions that support some of the region’s most complex construction projects. Learn more at www.uniquemtl.com.
About Arden Building Companies
As the holding company for Arden Engineering Constructors, Corporate Mechanical of New England, Earthwise Energy Technologies, MJ Daly, and Unique Metal Works, Arden Building Companies is a leading sole-source provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems throughout New England. Offering the full slate of services– from engineering and building automation controls to sheet metal fabrication, our clients entrust us to deliver complex projects with integrity and an adherence to cost and schedule control. With five locations throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, Arden Building Companies employs over 650 office and union craft personnel. For more information, visit www.ardenbuildingcompanies.com
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