MOLINE, ILLINOIS (July 2, 2025) — A nationally-spotlighted summer program that’s captured the attention of The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox News and Good Morning America is coming to the Quad Cities for the first time — and it’s opening doors to high-paying career paths for local high schoolers.
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) is a free, hands-on program that introduces high-school students and recent graduates to high-demand, zero-debt jobs in the union sheet metal, piping, electrical, and plumbing trades. Next week, the QC Electrical Training Center in Moline will become one of 51 HMSE host “camps” across North America this summer, and the first all-electrical camp in the program’s five-year history.
“This is such a cool program, and a great opportunity for young kids trying to figure out a career path,” said Terry Van Hook, Quad City Electrical Training Center Training Director.
Van Hook, a graduate of the Local Union 145 JATC program he now leads, brings eighteen years of experience in the electrical trade to the camp. He and Assistant Training Director Jodi Anderson will introduce twelve local students to the trade with the help of the Training Center’s three full-time instructors Josh Parr, Robbie Seals, and Bryan Peterson. They’ll share real-world knowledge and guide them through hands-on electrical projects.
“The idea is to show young people that college isn’t the only path to a successful future,” Van Hook said.
“Jobs in the skilled trades are in demand all over right now; they pay really well, come with great benefits, and if you go through an apprenticeship program like ours, you’ll get paid while you’re learning and graduate with no student debt.”
Founded in California in 2021, HMSE was created to address the growing labor shortage in the construction industry, which faces a wave of retirements and a shrinking workforce. For apprenticeship training coordinators like Van Hook and Anderson, the program is a welcome addition to their recruitment toolbox.
“There’s nothing more exciting than sparking interest in the electrical trade in young minds,” Van Hook said.
The QC Electrical Training Center HMSE camp runs 8AM-4:30PM, Monday, July 7, through Thursday, July 10. A graduation ceremony is scheduled for 1PM, Friday, July 11. For more information, or to schedule a media visit, e-mail Adam@ncpr.com or call 309-736-1071.
About HMSE
In 2021, Western Allied Mechanical, Hermanson Company, SMACNA-Western Washington, and SMACNA National teamed up to introduce high-school students and recent graduates to careers in the building trades. Through exposure to sheet metal, piping, electrical, and plumbing, HMSE students explore the trades and become part of a diverse team that builds community.
HMSE is a 501c(3) incorporated company that exists to inspire students with real-world training showcasing dynamic career opportunities in the skilled trades, and to ensure the continued vitality of the union construction industry. For more information, visit HMSE.org.
