PMC/SMACCA IS HIRING!
Associate Coordinator - Workforce Development | | |
The Alliance is excited to announce that we are adding to our team! Whether you’re in the industry already, looking for a change, or know someone who’d be interested please share this opportunity:
Associate Coordinator - Workforce Development
For more information about this position, please contact Jill Ackerman:
jill@pmsmca.com
(920) 723-1508 - cell
(414) 543-7622, ext. 2 - office
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| What is the supposed occupation of the leprechaun? | | | | |
From Last Month:
Question: Which mammal boasts the biggest heart?
Answer: The whale
| | ATTENTION, MEMBERS: YOUR FEEDBACK IS REQUESTED | | |
Further down in this newsletter, there's another poll we'd like you to answer -
you won't want to miss it!
| | 2026 March Premier Sponsor Spotlight:
Milwaukee Tool Highlights Women in Construction | | |
At Milwaukee Tool, we proudly support the women who build, as Women in Construction Week 2026 comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to the women who continue to elevate the professional trades.
From leadership on the jobsite to inspiring the next generation of builders, your contributions strengthen the entire industry.
We were proud to support events across the country this past week and connect with so many incredible women who embody this year’s theme: Level Up. Build Strong.
Milwaukee Tool remains committed to supporting women in the trades from early learning opportunities, to on‑site advocacy and professional development. Thank you for everything you do, this week and every week.
What does it really look like to build a long‑term career as a woman in the professional trades?
On Powered by the Trades: A Milwaukee Tool Podcast, Hailey, a Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, sits down with Kilah, a concrete finisher with 27 years of experience and Business Manager for the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA), to talk:
- mentorship
- retention
- the jobsite realities tradeswomen face in the field
The conversation also explores how apprenticeship programs and smarter jobsite systems, from workwear to ergonomics, can support safety, productivity, and confidence for professionals doing demanding work every day.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 👇
http://ms.spr.ly/6041QeWnf
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Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Since 2001, Focus on Energy has worked with eligible residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy provides financial rebates, education, information, and other resources to encourage participating that leads to increased energy savings and reduced utility bills.
Why to apply: Increase exposure of Focus on Energy to your member contractors and network with them. This will help them secure or upsell jobs, potentially receive trade ally bonus dollars, and increase participation with Focus on Energy.
| | SEE YOU AT TONIGHT'S INDUSTRY NIGHT & TRADE SHOW! | | |
Get ready for an exclusive evening packed with opportunities to elevate your business and connect with the best in the industry at WhirlyBall in Brookfield on Thursday, March 12!
Agenda:
- 4:00-4:30 pm – Associate Member Arrival and Set Up
- 4:15-4:45 pm – Annual Meetings Begin
- 4:30-5:30 pm – Trade Show & Open Bar
- 5:30-6:00 pm – Prize Drawings & Anniversary Awards
- 6:00-9:00 pm – Dinner, Cash Bar, and Activities
- 9:00 PM – Event Concludes
Let's Have Some Fun!
After the trade show, enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities, including:
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WhirlyBall - a combo of lacrosse, hockey, basketball and bumper cars
- Bowling
- Lasertag
- Ping Pong
- Corn Hole
- Giant Jenga, Connect Four, and Tetris
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**REMINDER**
The recently updated Wisconsin Commercial Building Code is in effect. The Code updates will require ANSI accredited inspections on all dampers per SPS 314 and 361.
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To learn more about becoming a contractor certified to Inspect Fire & Smoke Dampers in Wisconsin you can contact Jonathan Kowalski at jonathan@pmsmca.com.
To access information about firms that already have received this certification, visit the recently updated Breathe Easy Wisconsin webpage and click through the Fire Damper Inspectors button in the middle of the screen.
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Join Building Advantage and our partner signatory contractors for an afternoon of industry matchmaking and networking. This event is open to local signatory general contractors and subcontractors who will have the opportunity to network during timed increments. Ideal attendees include project executives, project managers, estimators, and other company representatives who can speak about current needs and upcoming work. After the session, join us for drinks, appetizers and games at X-Golf.
2-4pm: Matchmaking Session
4-6pm: Casual Networking & X-Golf
Building Advantage is proud to coordinate with our partner trade associations, ACEA, AGC of Greater Milwaukee, NECA Milwaukee, and PMSMCA.
| | To assist us in serving our members in more effective and worthwhile ways, we ask that you complete this poll. Thank you for your feedback! | | The PMSMCA is putting on a conference with a topic you are interested in. You will: | | | | Project-Level Cash Flow Challenges in the Industry*
*Specifically for sheet metal and mechanical contractors | | |
Help Support a New Study from New Horizons Foundation
and Colorado State University
SMACNA's New Horizons Foundation is partnering with Colorado State University to address the Project-Level Cash Flow challenges that exist in our industry – specifically for sheet metal and mechanical contractors.
The goal of this effort is to use the data collected to design a specific, in-person training curriculum that can be used to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and abilities of your project managers.
Contractors can click on the link below to share their contact and background information:
If you have any questions about this project, please contact:
Jon Elliott, jon.elliott@colostate.edu or John Killingsworth, jkillingsworth@colostate.edu
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|
SMACCA CONTRACTORS COMMITTED
TO A SAFER WORKPLACE
| SMART Local 18 is inviting SMACCA contractors to an important training session aimed at making the workplace safer and more effective. See below or email Chad Ratz for details - hurry, seats are limited. | | |
Register Now for the 2026 SMACNA FAB Forum
to Stay Ahead in Shop Fabrication
Registration is now open for the 2026 SMACNA Fab Forum! Enhance your shop fabrication expertise with educational sessions led by industry experts and networking events on April 12-14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago.
Register now to gain expert fabrication insights and expand your network.
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June 8, 2026 - June 10, 2026
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
4000 Coronado Bay Rd • Coronado, CA
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The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables, and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help attendees discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.
If your company is a MCAA member and you're interested in attending this year's conference, please reach out to jill@pmsmca.com.
Suggested Attendees:
All women in the mechanical industry.
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Workshops, Career Fairs, and School Visits
This past month was filled with community engagement as PMSMCA's Jill Ackerman joined several contractor members and partners at Southwest Consortium's 5th Annual Trades Hiring Event held at Franklin High School, Pewaukee High School's Tour of new CTE spaces, and Menomonee Falls High School's Career Day with Local 75.
Thank you again to PMSMCA's Workforce Development Committee, contractor members, and industry partners for your commitment to show up and invest in the next generation workforce.
Check out photos and recap video below.
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It's that time of year again contractor members: if you haven't already confirmed or officially signed up for 2026's Youth Apprenticeship Interview Day on April 15th, don't wait, register now!
This year will be our biggest year yet with more contractors, student participation, and school outreach. High schoolers are preparing and taking the necessary steps to participate in this event and Counselors, Tech-Ed Teachers, and Career Coordinators are working hard to make sure potential YA's are ready for you!
Do you have questions about the Youth Apprenticeship program, its process, or do you want to know how to get more involved? Do you know what to expect as a contractor? Or, do you know a high school student who might be a great candidate (and is going to be a Junior or Senior in the Fall of 2026)? Please reach out to Jill Ackerman at: jill@pmsmca.com.
| We are excited to announce that Premier Sponsor Milwaukee Tool will be back again to help support this event and host PMSMCA's Annual Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day on May 14th! | | |
Heavy Metals Summer Experience - Milwaukee
We are excited to announce that this summer, Milwaukee will be hosting another week-long HMSE camp on June 22nd-26th. The camp will be split at various locations including at contractor members Grunau Company, Total Mechanical at AGI Fabricators, and at MATC, Oak Creek with SMART Local 18. This is an opportunity for a select group of students (16-19 yrs-old) to gain exposure and experience focused on the sheet metal, pipe fitting, and plumbing trades.
If you're a contractor or associate member who wants to get involved and participate in this experience either as a volunteer or sponsor, please reach out to Jill@pmsmca.com.
| | LOCAL 601 APPRENTICESHIP RESUME REVIEW PROCESS | | |
PMC members who partner with Local 601 Apprentices – check out the Apprentice Resume Portal (see instructions below). This updated and sortable resume portal lets your company apprentice coordinator look through the hundreds of available candidates’ resumes to find your next, best apprentices.
Questions can go direct to the Local 601 Training School and Amanda Appel: aappel@steam601.org.
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Building Advantage 2026 Construction Career Fair | | |
Tuesday, May 5th | American Family Field | 9am – 1pm
Building Advantage’s Annual Construction Career Fair gives high school students a firsthand look at exciting opportunities available in the building trades. Through a variety of hands-on activities, juniors and seniors explore the unique skills, benefits, and career paths offered by different trades and contractors. The event highlights union registered apprenticeship as a proven pathway to rewarding careers that empower individuals and strengthen our communities.
Contact Katie Connell with any questions.
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For Employers Hiring High School Juniors:
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
9:15 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
High school juniors will be seeking summer and part-time employment.
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For Employers Hiring High School Seniors:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
9:15 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
High school seniors will be seeking summer
and long-term employment.
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Union
2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, 53211
- Meet MPS students looking for part-time, summer, and long-term work.
- Share information and answer questions about job opportunities and careers.
- No cost for employers to attend! Parking and lunch provided.
- Registration is required. Space is limited.
- Employers are expected to remain for the full length of the fair.
For more information, please email Emily Brown,
internship coordinator, at brownek@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us
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SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE ANNUAL PMSMCA EVENTS:
- Annual Awards Event Road America: June 5-7
- PMSMCA Charity Golf Outing: Monday, August 3
- Sporting Clays Event: Thursday, September 24
- PMSMCA Holiday Party: Friday, December 4
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