Sheet Metal Workers

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Career Profile
Once in the apprenticeship program, the union will train individuals in: Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning design, fabrication and installation.  Testing, adjusting, balancing, fine-tuning and maintaining HVAC components. Apprentices will be training in the use of computers to fabricate Sheet Metal products and troubleshoot HVAC systems.  Health and safety and environmental training are taught.  Food and beverage stainless steel fabrication and installation in restaurants, cafeterias, etc.  Welding different types of metal using the latest technological processes will be taught also. 

 

Career Outlook
Employment of sheet metal workers is expected to increase 7 percent between 2006 and 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This reflects growth in the number of industrial, commercial, and residential structures being built.  In May 2006, median hourly earnings of wage and salary sheet metal workers were $17.96.

 

Sheet Metal Workers

 

Educational Programs

The apprenticeship program is 4 years in duration and requires working 40 hours a week on the job and you will attend classes two nights a week from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the entire training period but is not limited to the following:

•           8,000 hours of on the job training (OJT)
•           800  hours of classroom related instruction
•           Limited absences, tardiness, at work/class

All training is held at the Apprentice School located at 814 Airport Blvd.  Class attendance is required twice a week for 4 hours at a time during the week, usually Monday-Thursday while maintaining a full-time on the job training (OJT).  After the completion of the 4 years apprentice training program, the union encourages its members take a Journeyman Test for Certification.

Because sheet metal workers must lift heavy pieces of metal, stand for long periods of time, and sometimes work in uncomfortable or cramped positions, they need physical strength as well as stamina.  The majority of the work is done indoors in factory like environments.  This type of work requires employees to climb ladders, use sharp tools, and work with welding/soldering equipment.