New Horizons Foundations-A Sheet Metal Industry Initiative

Workforce development best practices identification, communication and training - this multi-year project seeks to identify successful strategies used to hire, develop and retain employees in sheet metal, hvac, and mechanical construction companies. In the first phase of this project, which was initiated in december 2022, the new horizons foundation investigated and reported on the following current issues in workforce development. 1. Investigated what young workers want and need in their careers. 2. Explored characteristics unique to the next generation of workers. 3. Examined what the younger generation expects from their jobs. 4. Assessed diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in local areas. The nhf identified, met with and profiled 28 workforce development organizations (wdos) to understand their objectives, content, delivery methods, history and results, especially as they impact the above issues. In the current second phase of this project, the foundation is highlighting the top 25% of wdos through facilitated podcasts. Two of the seven recordings have been completed and are being edited for release in july. The remaining five podcasts are scheduled for completion by the 3rd quarter 2024. These wdos focus on bringing under-represented groups (women and minorities) into building trades and their successes (and struggles) are featured in the podcasts. A third project phase is underway with the following objectives identified. 1. Curate the captured wdos content into concise infographics. 2. Focus on leadership development for trade and non-trade hires and produce short videos to showcase successful practices (mentoring, shadowing, and onboarding). 3. Develop a roadmap/template for implementation by contractors and local associations (smacna chapters). 4. Continue industry presentations on project findings and continue to expand successful wdo contacts and relationships. 5. Develop a wdo media site on the nhf website and continue work to improve the search engine presence and functionality of the nhf website, particularly as it relates to workforce development issues and interests.

Vdc engineering study - this joint project with the gentille and electri foundations and the university of washington has the following objectives:1. Develop metrics to support the estimation of vdc engineering for mep trades2. Benchmark current vdc engineering practices and performance, and,3. Develop metrics to evaluate the efficiencies and effectiveness of virtual design and coordination.this project originally contemplated performance of time studies of vdc processes. However, a lack of volunteer participation from the three affiliated associations has resulted in revisiting the data collection process. The three foundations are presently awaiting a revised proposal from the university. The new horizons foundation is evaluating its continued participation in the project.