SMACNA Launches National “Ignite Your Career” Workforce Development Campaign

Chantilly, VA - The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, today announced the launch of its workforce development campaign, designed to raise public awareness for career opportunities across the organized HVAC and sheet metal industries, and support its members in recruitment efforts. A new website, IgniteYourCareer.com, is being rolled out and will serve as the “digital hub” of this comprehensive campaign.

“Our industry is grappling with a rapidly aging workforce, which is compounded by the national shortage of skilled trade workers and record low unemployment levels across the country,” said Vince Sandusky, SMACNA’s Chief Executive Officer. “When we consider the challenges that our members are likely to face in the coming years, having enough qualified workers to satisfy customer expectations is at the top of the list for many. SMACNA is proud to play a leading role in addressing this challenge. Our ‘Ignite Your Career’ campaign is focused on not only helping to fill the pipeline of immediate job openings, but also on increasing the quality and depth of a new generation of applicants considering our field – whether on the craft or non-craft side.”

The Ignite Your Career website serves as a dynamic hub for visitors to explore the many career paths and opportunities within the industry; hear success stories from a variety of real-life professionals; and connect with resources, including local SMACNA chapters and industry training centers, to learn more about available opportunities.

Along with the website, SMACNA has launched a social media presence for its Ignite Your Career campaign on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Other features of the campaign include audience research, digital advertising and media relations efforts. New marketing materials, including handouts, infographics and videos spotlighting careers in the industry, are also available for member companies to enhance their own recruitment programs and activities.

“A critical component of this campaign will be our members’ involvement,” said Sandusky. “SMACNA will be rolling out additional tools and resources, enabling our membership to showcase the benefits of our profession. From impactful projects and long-term, rewarding careers to diverse opportunities and generous wages, there is a lot to be proud of when it comes to employment in our field. Facilitating the connection between highly qualified job seekers and our members is something our entire industry can get behind.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a nine percent growth in jobs in the sheet metal industry by 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Job seekers can benefit from eager-to-hire employers, rewarding careers, superior salaries and wages, and on-the-job training across managerial and skilled labor roles.

About SMACNA

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) is an international trade association representing 3,500 contributing contractor firms and is a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. SMACNA members are responsible for effectively delivering the clean air Americans breathe in offices, homes, and hospitals; for many of the attractive facades you see on today’s stadiums and office buildings; and for the comfortable, healthy, and safe living environments in which our citizens live out their daily lives. SMACNA has national offices in Chantilly, VA, outside of Washington, D.C., and on Capitol Hill. For more information, www.smacna.org.