Partners

Inspiring the Next Generation in the Skilled Trades

Red Wing’s Big Boots to Fill campaign celebrates the workers who build our communities and helps the next generation see themselves in the trades.

As a 2026 national sponsor of Heavy Metal Summer Experience, Red Wing is helping support more than 1,000 high school students across the U.S.

HMSE introduces students and recent graduates to careers in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, piping and sheet metal trades through free summer camps hosted by contractors, unions and training centers. Every camp is unique, but all are built to offer students hands-on learning and connect them with industry professionals who can help them take their first steps toward future career pathways.

“My son loved the program through and through. It sparked a drive and reminded him that there are opportunities out there and that he is more than capable of achieving whatever he wants to do.”

— HMSE Parent

Get Involved

The success of HMSE is a testament to what can happen when the entire industry comes together.

The best part about the program? There's a role for everyone.

• Students explore sheet metal, piping, electrical and plumbing trades through hands-on projects and job site tours. No experience needed!
• Parents play an important role in career decisions. If your student is practical and hands-on, HMSE is a no-cost way to explore a path with real earning potential.
• Camp hosts, contractors, unions and training centers have the opportunity to give back and mentor students. Bonus: You don't have to recruit from a resume! Hosting a camp gives you a preview of your local talent.
• Sponsors make it possible to reach students who wouldn't otherwise have access, turning their camp experience into the discovery of a future career.

Find a Camp >> Host a Camp >> Support HMSE >>

A special thanks to Red Wing and all HMSE supporters. The sky's the limit for the future of HMSE! Join us as we continue working toward a future where every young person can see themselves building a career in our industry.