The sheet metal industry needs highly skilled and motivated workers. Through the SMART Apprenticeship Program you can get the high quality education and training designed to give you a rewarding career. As an apprentice, you participate in both on-the-job training and classroom study, allowing you to practical experience while learning the technical aspects of the industry. Watch the video to learn more!
The sheet metal industry is the only trade that designs, manufactures, and installs its own products. Skilled craftspeople take ordinary types of flat metal and make them into specialized metal products. Members of the trade are proud of its special distinction: They not only build - they create.
You'll work in a challenging environment with architects, engineers, and dozens of other trade workers. You will help create buildings or bridges that are both functional and beautiful. You may also work on building decoration, shaping metal to create attractive and long-lasting designs.
Industrial sheet metal workers work on large-scale projects; custom, one-of-a kind projects; or large shop-built modules. Industrial sheet metal parts must be moved or hoisted into place using large, heavy-gauge machinery or even helicopters. In this field you may make the machines used in automotive assembly or food processing plants.
HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In this field you will work on high-volume mechanical systems. These systems deliver heated and cooled air to commercial buildings. You may work at schools, hospitals, airports, train or subway stations, restaurants and office buildings
Residential HVAC technicians, work on installing duct systems for builders in the housing industry. They work in new construction for a specialized custom home builder or for high-volume builders who develop large subdivisions containing many homes. They install ductwork for a wide variety of residences including single family homes, town homes, and apartment buildings.
When you enter an apprenticeship, you agree to work in an on-the-job training program and attend specialized classes for five years. As an apprentice, you:
Graduate with no student loan debt (tuition is paid by us).
Get paid-to-learn during the apprenticeship (you'll earn a salary during the program).
Guaranteed job placement (your career begins with your apprenticeship).
Learn from instructors who have hands-on experience in the sheet metal industry.
After an applicant has a complete application on file, meaning, we have a copy of birth certificate, high school transcripts or GED equivalency certificate and have taken the ”National Careers Readiness Certificate” test, and received a minimum score of Silver, then the applicant is eligible to interview. Any trade related courses taken via college, community college or trade school adds to points given after the applicant has interviewed and is placed on a list to be hired. At the time the applicant fills out the application for apprenticeship, he/she, will also be asked if they would like to apply for a pre-apprentice position. A pre-apprentice is a position where the individual is placed with a contractor, while also going through the process of apprenticeship application.
YEAR 1: The curriculum for a first year apprentice, consists of, but is not limited to: Trade History, Hand Tools, Shop Equipment, Trade Math, Drafting, Basic Pattern Development and Layout of HVAC fittings.
YEAR 2: The curriculum for a second year apprentice, consists of, but is not limited to: Advanced Pattern Development and Layout of HVAC fittings, Drafting, Basic Duct Design, Basic Computer Assisted Design(CAD), Soldering.
YEAR 3: The curriculum for a third year apprentice, consists of, but is not limited to: HVAC Systems, Reading Plans and Specifications, Computer Assisted Design(CAD), Architectural Systems,
YEAR 4: The curriculum for a fourth year apprentice, consists of, but is not limited to: Welding (All processes), Residential and Commercial Service, Studying for State Licensure.
YEAR 5: Starting in 2022 - Curriculum to be determined at a later time.
After all Apprenticeship schooling obligations have been met, and all “on-the-job-training” hours have been achieved, the Apprentice will receive a certificate from the Department of Labor, stating the individual has completed an accredited Sheet Metal Apprenticeship, and said Apprentice will achieve Journeyman status, with all the pay, benefits and responsibility that go along with being a Journeyman.
A lot of things can affect exactly how much you earn as a sheet metal professional: negotiated contracts, area of the country, demand for workers, and your level of skills and experience. The starting salary for a 1st Year Apprentice in Local 45 is a base rate of $21.49/hr and an additional $17.74 in fringe benefits equaling a total package wage of $39.23/hr.
Keep in mind that your career provides more than your take home pay. You also get:
Health Insurance
Pension
401k Plan
Annuities
Training and Education
Life Insurance
As with any other field, there are some basic requirements for a career in the sheet metal industry. You'll need a high school or GED diploma. Other skills needed include:
Good physical condition
Above average mechanical and math skills
Good eye-to-hand coordination
Understanding how patterns are used to create metal forms
Excellent work and study habits
Ability to work well in teams
Solid reasoning skills
Problem solving capability
Enjoy working with your hands
Reliable and responsible
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