• This program is governed by the State of California and/or the Federal Standards and Program Rules and Regulations
• Length of the program is four years - 6,500 on-the-job training hours
• Classes will meet one night per week
• 4 hours per night for 20 weeks, 80 hours per semester,  160 hours per year
• Officially recognized training providers for North American Technician Excellence
• Program is overseen by the ABC So-Cal Merit Training Trust and the Sheet Metal Unilateral Apprenticeship Commitee
• Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined on the 'Apprenticeship' page

To view the curriculum for this program, click here.

Click here for an apprentice application.

Sheet Metal Skills

Metal in the form of large, flat sheets can be cut, bent, joined, and installed to become duct work, downspouts, skylights, signs, siding, and many other products found in a building.  Sheet metal professionals make, install, and maintain these things and many more.  In addition to sheet metal, these professionals may also work with plastic and fiberglass.  They read blueprints and specifications, take measurements, construct the various components, check them for accuracy, and then install the pieces where needed.  Work can be done in a factory, in an existing building, or on a construction job site.  This craft uses a lot of different tools, such as drills, hammers, welding rods, and shears.

If you have good math and reading skills, the ability to visualize something and are interested in working with lots of different kinds of tools, this can be a great career.  It requires skill, dexterity, and a creative mind.  There is a lot of variety in this trade.  Sheet metal professionals cut, fit, assemble, and occasionally weld.  This is challenging and satisfying work.

No day or project is ever the same and can be physically challenging.  There is standing, climbing, and bending involved and hand and eye coordination is also an asset.  It is also mentally challenging, the ability to make accurate calculations and think ahead are very important, as are solid algebra and geometry skills.

For more skill definition http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/47-2211.00

Sheet Metal Career Facts

• Today, government and private studies confirm the shortage of skilled Sheet Metal workers nationwide.
• Nationwide, there were approximately 189,000 Sheet Metal in the 2006 census.
• Factoring in retirement, job changes, Sheet Metal workers entering construction management or business ownership, it is easy to see the growing need for skilled Sheet Metal workers.
• Future career path opportunities include jobs as estimator, distribution manager, inspector, project manager, trade instructor, foreman, and more…
• Construction is one of the few industries where an individual can still own his or her own business.

Sheet Metal Quality of Life

• Sheet Metal workers can build a financially rewarding future and experience an exciting career.

• Job satisfaction – It is rewarding to see your skills in a finished structure.
• Job security – High skills are in high demand.
• Low stress – Job requirements produce less mental stress.
• Physical exercise – Maintains a healthy body.
• Hours of employment – Usually weekends and evening are free for recreation.
• Unlimited earning power in an Unlimited construction career path.
• Trade skills can save you thousands of dollars building or remodeling a home.