Hands-On Training Meets Career Readiness in MJ Daly’s Debut Heavy Metal Summer Experience.
Waterbury, CT — MJ Daly proudly hosted Connecticut’s first-ever Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a three-week hands-on camp designed to introduce high school students and recent graduates to the skilled trades. Though the inaugural group was small—with just four dedicated participants—the impact was powerful and personal.
From welding and working with copper and plastic piping to shaping sheet metal, students immersed themselves in the fundamentals of mechanical contracting. The camp is part of a national initiative to address the growing labor shortage in the trades by sparking interest among young people.
“We’re just trying to open their eyes to the opportunities available,” said Ed Carvalho, president of MJ Daly. “This camp is about showing students that there’s a path forward that doesn’t require college debt and offers real, rewarding work.”
MJ Daly partners with local apprenticeship unions across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, helping students transition from camp to career through earn-while-you-learn programs. These apprenticeships provide a direct route into the workforce, equipping students with skills and income from day one.
Eighteen-year-old James P., one of the camp’s participants, shared his enthusiasm: “I’ve always liked working with my hands. There’s something rewarding about doing it yourself. You can always learn to do it.”
The camp concluded with a graduation ceremony held on July 25, where MJ Daly extended heartfelt thanks to its sponsors—the Mechanical Contractors Association of Connecticut and DEWALT Tools—both of whom were in attendance to celebrate the students’ achievements and support the future of the trades.
The Heavy Metal Summer Experience is a national effort to revitalize the trades and attract the next generation of professionals. With the industry facing a significant labor shortage, initiatives like this camp are vital to building a sustainable future.
About MJ Daly
MJ Daly, LLC is a leading mechanical contracting firm based in Waterbury, Connecticut, specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection services. With over a century of experience, MJ Daly is committed to delivering high-quality solutions across commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. As part of the Arden Building Companies family, MJ Daly combines deep industry expertise with innovative technologies to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The company is also dedicated to workforce development, partnering with local apprenticeship programs and national initiatives to train and inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
