A.O. Reed Sponsored a Graduation Dinner at the Heavy Metal Summer Camp

At A.O. Reed, we believe in building a strong foundation for the future, and that begins with investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals. A.O. Reed proudly sponsored the graduation dinner for the High School students who completed this year’s Heavy Metal Summer Camp in San Diego. This camp is an immersive educational program dedicated to the sheet metal trade.

This summer camp, made possible through the support of SMACNA, introduces students to the world of sheet metal work through hands-on learning in a professional shop setting. Students spend the week immersed in the inner workings of a real sheet metal shop, developing practical skills and learning directly from seasoned professionals who are passionate about passing on their knowledge.

When we arrived at the event, the students were fabricating copper roses! Using their newly acquired skills to turn raw materials into intricate, handcrafted pieces. The activity demonstrated the effectiveness of the camp’s training and the students’ ability to apply foundational techniques in a meaningful way.

Following the workshop, students, instructors, and guests gathered to celebrate the week’s achievements. A.O. Reed was proud to sponsor the graduation dinner, which featured a catered meal of tacos and gorditas, bringing everyone together to share food, stories, and appreciation for the week’s accomplishments.

The camp doesn’t just teach technical skills. It instills pride in trades, builds confidence, and opens doors to lifelong careers. It’s also a chance for students to form lasting connections with peers and industry leaders, creating a community centered around craftsmanship and mutual support.

As one of the largest union supporters for plumbing, pipefitting, and sheet metal trades in Southern California, we recognize the critical importance of workforce development. By supporting initiatives like the Heavy Metal Summer Camp, it helps support long-term growth in the trades by introducing students to career opportunities and teaching them essential skills early on.

Congratulations to the graduates of the 2025 Heavy Metal Summer Camp. You’ve taken the first steps into an industry that values precision, resilience, and pride in one’s work. We are excited to see where your journey takes you next!