An apprenticeship in the sheet metal industry offers the perfect blend of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, giving you the skills and confidence to succeed in a variety of roles. From HVAC installation to advanced welding techniques, our programs are designed to meet industry demands while preparing you for a lifetime of growth and opportunity.
Apprentices and graduates of our programs enter the workforce with competitive wages, excellent benefits, and a clear pathway for advancement. Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking a career change, the sheet metal industry offers secure and rewarding opportunities that can transform your future.
Classroom training is a vital part of your apprenticeship, providing you with the technical knowledge and theoretical foundation needed to excel in the sheet metal industry. Apprentices typically complete hundreds of hours of classroom learning annually, covering topics such as safety standards, blueprint reading, advanced math for fabrication, and emerging technologies.
Led by experienced instructors, these courses ensure you stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry. You’ll gain insights into industry standards, best practices, and cutting-edge techniques, equipping you with the tools to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Learn to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics. Apprentices gain the skills to visualize projects, plan installations, and identify components with precision.
Understand the principles of various welding techniques, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Classroom instruction focuses on safety, proper equipment use, and welding theory to complement hands-on practice.
Study workplace safety regulations and OSHA standards to ensure compliance and maintain safe work environments. Topics include hazard identification, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures.
Learn the essential mathematics used in sheet metal work, including measurements, geometry, and trigonometry. This knowledge is crucial for accurate fabrication and installation.
Undergo instruction in areas such as testing, adjusting, and balancing of air handling equipment, duct work, basics of HVAC systems, design and computer programs.
Learn sheet metal layout and fabrication and general sheet metal practice, including basic square and rectangle duct fittings, parallel line pattern development, and triangulation.
Study elements of the sheet metal industry and its various career pathways. Trade and union overview and history is discussed, in addition to basic topics like sheet metal hand and power tools and their usage.
Covers industrial sheet metal layout and fabrication with an emphasis on materials, equipment, tolerances, tools, etc. used to fabricate products in industrial sheet metal shops.
Learn about basic computer hardware and software and its uses, including word processing and spreadsheets.
Learn basic AutoCAD fundamentals of 2D drafting, including drawing lines, circles, and other shapes, as well as basic editing and modification tools.
Covers various supplemental topics that provide additional skills to better prepare graduating apprentices in becoming more effective and successful journeypeople.
Apprentices are instructed in areas such as testing, adjusting, and balancing of air handling equipment, duct work, basics of HVAC systems, design and computer programs.
Practice various welding methods such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding. Apprentices work on joining, repairing, and fabricating metal parts, focusing on precision, safety, and quality workmanship.
Learn to measure, cut, bend, and shape sheet metal to create components for HVAC systems, architectural elements, and industrial applications. This includes operating tools like shears, brakes, and rollers.
Hands-on training in fabricating and installing duct systems for HVAC and ventilation projects. Apprentices master skills in sealing, securing, and testing duct systems for efficiency and compliance.
Work on creating and installing decorative and functional sheet metal pieces, such as roofs, cladding, gutters, and flashing. Apprentices learn to balance aesthetics with structural integrity.
Learn to safely operate industry-specific tools and machinery, including plasma cutters, soldering equipment, and power drills. Apprentices also gain skills in maintaining and troubleshooting these tools.
Practice preparing job sites by taking measurements, marking layouts, and setting up equipment. Apprentices learn to read plans and ensure accuracy before beginning installations or fabrication.
Engage in creating custom pieces for specialized projects. This includes interpreting unique specifications and producing prototypes for testing and refinement.
Develop critical thinking skills by identifying and resolving issues on job sites, such as unexpected challenges in installation or fabrication processes.
Conduct inspections and tests on completed work to ensure it meets industry standards for performance, safety, and efficiency. Apprentices practice evaluating their own and others’ work.
Hands-on training is at the heart of every apprenticeship, providing you with real-world experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. As an apprentice, you’ll work on active job sites, applying the skills you’ve learned in the classroom to projects like HVAC installation, welding, custom fabrication, and architectural sheet metal.
This immersive experience ensures you master the tools, techniques, and problem-solving skills essential for success in the field. By the time you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll not only have a comprehensive understanding of your trade but also the confidence and expertise to excel in your career.
A career in the sheet metal industry offers a wide range of opportunities that combine technical expertise, creativity, and hands-on work. Whether you’re interested in designing, fabricating, or installing, there’s a path for you. From working on large commercial HVAC systems to crafting intricate architectural details, the possibilities are endless.
Involves shaping metal into functional and decorative forms for modern structures, including tasks like installing metal panels, decorative details, and functional pieces crucial to the longevity and design of projects.
Involves fabricating and installing duct systems for HVAC and ventilation projects – including sealing, securing, and testing duct systems for efficiency and compliance.
Uses computer-aided drafting (CAD) to create 3D models and coordinate every phase of a project, translating engineer-approved designs into plans for fabricators and installers.
Involves fabricating large machinery and parts, welding metal plates, and operating tools in a heavy metal shop, often working on-site to repair machine components.
Includes the inspection, service, and testing of mechanical smoke control and smoke management systems.
Responsible for working on air and water delivery systems to meet design specifications, ensuring HVAC systems operate efficiently.
See how training turns passion into expertise and builds lifelong careers.
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