JOB DESCRIPTION

In spite of technological changes, the Sheet Metal Worker remains nearly the only building tradesperson to start with raw materials, custom-make complex systems, and then install them. He/she can transform flat sheets of metal into any size or shape that is required by working from a blueprint or verbal instructions. Being a Sheet Metal Worker involves the fabrication, erection, installation, repairing, replacing and servicing of all residential heating and air conditioning systems and the architectural sheet metal work on such residences.

Workers will gain a knowledge of heating, cooling and ventilation systems; techniques of welding, and the functions of compressors and condensers in the refrigeration cycle. Includes areas such as solar installation, hoisting and rigging, soldering, and energy management and retrofitting of environmental systems.

The three main concepts used for making sheet metal patterns require knowledge of triangulation, radial line and parallel line development.

Most people consider the term "air conditioning" to merely imply cooling the air. But air conditioning is much more comprehensive when the term "conditioning the air" is used. Sheet Metal Workers help provide these types of systems that heat, cool, and ventilate--providing a completely controlled environment.

The rapidly expanding use of new materials and processes in manufacturing plants throughout the nation today is presenting new health hazards at an alarming rate. The Sheet Metal Workers also helps provide systems that will safely remove fumes, dust, smoke, heat, odors, carbon dioxide and other dangerous contaminants to combat this situation.

Sheet Metal Workers also have an important role in making the large amount of sheet metal work that goes into sign making, hospital and restaurant equipment, aircraft and shipbuilding. In addition, the knowledge and skill of the Sheet Metal Worker is needed by other industries in products requiring sheet metal work.

A booklet can be requested by contacting the Coordinator.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM'

Apprenticeship classes are taken at the Metro training center below. Day classes are held 1 day every other week for 8-hours per day. Evening classes are held 2 nights per week for 4 hours per night. Tuition and books cost approximately $600 per year.

Applications for apprenticeship are taken year-round, by appointment at the following address:

Metro Area Sheet Metal Workers JATC
3554 White Bear Ave. North
White Bear Lake, MN 55110-5419
(651) 779-6265 FAX: (651) 779-6065

Contact Person
Buck Paulstrud

Program includes 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of on-the-job training and about 200 to 220-hours of related instruction each year. There is a 500-hour probationary period.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a Certificate of Equivalency (GED).
• While it is not required that an applicant be a graduate of or have attended a sheetmetal program from a technical vocational institute, consideration will be given in the selection process for such graduation and/or attendance.
• Must possess the physical ability to perform the duties of the craft.
• Apprenticeship applicants shall furnish the following along with their application:
  1. Birth certificate or reliable information on DOB.
  2. High school diploma or GED certificate.
  3. High school transcript showing grades and attendance.
  4. Post-high school diploma(s), certificates, and/or transcripts, if applicable.
  5. Military discharge and Form DD-214, if applicable.
  6. A physical examination may be required prior to the indenturing of an apprentice.

HIRING AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants will fill out an application and take the necessary aptitude test the same day.

Applicant must be able to score 70% on all four areas of the test in order to be interviewed or rated. The Joint Apprenticeship Committee will then send out notifications informing applicants when and where to report for their interview.

The Committee members will be rating the qualified applicant(s) on a point value at the time of the interview, which will be based on the following categories:

Category

• Day School Graduate
• Aptitude Test
• Work Experience
• Post Secondary Grades
• High School Grades
• Interview

The placement of apprentices will be in descending order of score. This list will be turned over to the union.

There is a probationary period of not more than fifteen hundred (1500) work hours or the candidate will be terminated from employment and considered ineligible for the apprenticeship program.

Tools Needed

Workers need to provide themselves with their own hand tools (such as a screw driver, prick punch, dividers, crescent wrench, a small whitney, center punches, pliers, hammers, etc.). Costs run around $600.

Transportation Requirements

Workers are expected to be able to get to the job on time. The union represents many shops outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Thus, workers are sometimes required to move around.

Hours

In the winter, the hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During the summer, the hours vary, with 8-hour days anywhere between 6:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Wages

Apprentice starts at 52% of the wage earned by a journeyperson. He/she will receive increases of 5% every 1,000 hours worked until reaching journeyperson’s rate.

Union Dues

The initiation fee comes to a total of $1,500. This is usually paid within a couple of years, and must be paid in full before an apprentice becomes a full-fledged journeyperson. Part of the apprentice's monthly dues goes towards paying that fee. There are also monthly membership dues