Work Description
Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain air-conditioning, heating, ventilation, and pollution control duct systems; roofs; siding; rain gutters; downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; and many other products made with metal sheets. They also may work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Although some workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance, most do all three jobs.
Working Conditions
Sheet metal workers who fabricate sheet metal products work in shops that are well-lighted and well-ventilated. However, they stand for long periods and lift heavy materials and finished pieces. Those performing installation work do considerable bending, lifting, standing, climbing, and squatting, sometimes in close quarters or in awkward positions. Although duct systems and kitchen equipment are installed indoors, the installation of siding, roofs, and gutters involves much outdoor work, requiring sheet metal workers to work in various kinds of weather.
Training
Classes include drafting, plan and specification reading, trigonometry and geometry applicable to layout work, the use of computerized equipment, welding, and the principles of heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating systems.
Term of Training: Five years of not less than 9,000 hours
On-the-Job Training: Minimum of 8,230 hours
Paid Related Training: 520 hours of paid related instruction. Classes are scheduled one full day, eight hours, every two weeks during the school year. Apprentices are paid to attend these classes at the same rate of pay as hours worked on the job. Attendance is mandatory.
Night School Classes: Apprentices are required to attend 250 hours of night school as designated by the Committee, on their own time.
Environmental Systems Technicians perform service work for gas and oil heating and cooling systems.
Term of Training: Five years of not less than 9,000 hours
On-the-Job Training: Minimum of 7,170 hours
Paid Related Training: 560 hours of paid related instruction. Classes are scheduled two full days, every other week, during the school year. These classes are normally completed in four semesters. They are offered at Waukesha County Technical College. Apprentices are paid to attend these classes at the same rate of pay as hours worked on the job. Attendance is mandatory.
Night School Classes: Apprentices are required to attend 250 hours of night school as designated by the Committee, on their own time.
Application Materials
Aprentice Application Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Must take the Accuplacer placement test and score a minimum of 11.4 grade equivalent on each section of the test.
Physically able to perform trade work
Valid driver's license or reliable transportation