Description
of Occupation
The
Sheet Metal Industry is one of many construction trades. Along with
craftsmen in the electrical, carpentry and plumbing fields, Sheet
Metal Workers build homes and large commercial structures. The Sheet
Metal Industry is unique however, because it is the only trade that
designs, manufactures and installs its own products. Sheet Metal
Shop Workers take ordinary pieces of flat metal and make them into
specialized products like duct systems and solar panels. These products
are usually specially designed for particular construction projects.
Members of the trade are proud of its special distinction; it not
only builds, it creates.
Qualifications
for Training
Personal
Characteristics
If
you have artistic talents, you will enjoy working with many products
which are not only useful but which also have a pleasing appearance.
If you like working with your hands, you will use hand tools, operate
manufacturing equipment, install and maintain heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning equipment, and install decorative siding and
metal roofs. If you have ambitions to become a manager or contractor,
you will find a real challenge in the problems of design, material
flow, cost control, and labor relations, merchandising and customer
relations.
Working
Conditions and Physical Requirements
The Sheet Metal Business is tough, dirty and sometimes dangerous.
It requires strength, stamina and the ability to think and act quickly.
A good portion of the work occurs out-of-doors and away from the
shop area. This calls for initiative and resourcefulness and stimulates
the craftsman to do a first rate job as he/she alone is responsible
for the finished product. There are occasionally some unpleasant
tasks to perform, but this is true in all occupations. An apprentice
meets various situations, such as lifting, pulling, and climbing,
all demanding good physical stamina.
Opportunities
In The Trade
The constant increase in new types of construction and the development
of new materials has created the need for a higher degree of proficiency
on the part ;of the craftsmen. Any ambitious person wanting to work
with his/her hands should first find a high interest factor in the
Sheet Metal Industry since our craftsmen are continually designing,
building or installing products.
Since
the Sheet Metal Industry involves so many different skills, there
are a lot of job options within the trade. Another
of the Industry's advantages is the opportunity to specialize. Over
time Journeymen usually acquire preferences in different areas of
the trade - while one person likes welding, balancing air systems
may be preferred by another. If working with tools doesn't continue
to challenge you, perhaps a career as an estimator or a draftsman
would be more to your liking.
Pre
Requisites
Pre-Application
Requirements
Age:
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
There is no maximum age for making application, however you may
be required to show proof of age at the time of hire.
Education:
All applicants must be high school graduates or provide proof of
equivalent educational attainment such as an official General Education
Development (GED) Tests Certificate, or High School Certificate
of Proficiency.
Post-Application
Requirements
Mathematical
Competence Test:
The
applicant is required to take and pass a mathematical competence
test with a score of 70% or better. The test is based on General
Education math with some elementary Algebra and Geometry. If an
applicant fails the test, he/she is required to wait a minimum of
three months and then complete a new application for apprenticeship.
Testing
Notification: Notice
of scheduled tests will be mailed to applicants with a complete,
valid application on file. These notices will be mailed out approximately
two weeks prior to the specific testing period.
Oral
Interview: Applicants
with passing math test scores will be called for an oral interview
with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. The apprentice applicant
will be evaluated in the following classifications:
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