Sheet Metal Worker

Nature of Work

Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble and install metal products and equipment in buildings to control the temperature and environmental air quality for the comport of the occupants. Sheet metal workers also build and install decorative metal components on the outside of buildings to protect them from the weather. They use hand and power tools, measuring instruments, unique calculators, and specialty machines to cut, bend, shape, form and fasten parts into units and assemblies. They use welding, soldering, brazing and riveting to assemble and install components. They inspect and service sheet metal installations, air handling equipment and indoor air quality equipment.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Be 18 years or older. Will be required to furnish proof of age.

Health: Must be physically fit to perform the work of the trade. May be required to furnish a
doctor’s certificate of examination.

Education: Must be a high school graduate or have earned a GED and furnish transcripts.

Other: Must have proof of current driver’s license.

Terms of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Four years.

Related classroom training: The Montana State Sheet Metal Workers JATC has given credit for previous training and experience to anyone who can provide documented proof of training or experience.

Probationary Period: One year.

Working Conditions

Sheet metal workers are usually on a project when there is a structural framework to support
the ductwork. Occasionally sheet metal workers are required to work in a trench assembling
ductwork that will be buried under a concrete floor. They will also be on the outside of the
building installing the architectural sheet metal to waterproof the building. This requires the
sheet metal worker to be able to work in close, tight places as well as high open places.

Wages

Apprentices are paid a percent age of journeyman hourly pay scale. Contact SMWIA Local
103 for current scale.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Ability to plan a work sequence, mechanical and mathematical aptitude, and geometric form perception.

Interests: Should have mechanical aptitude and be willing to work with hand and power tools.

Temperament: Willingness to work with others and alone.

Physical capacities: Must be able to carry up to 50 lbs up a ladder.

Tools

Most hand tools used by sheet metal workers are highly specialized and must be purchased
through contractor suppliers or the training center.

Suggested High School Subjects

Algebra	Geometry	Trigonometry
Shop courses	Welding	Drafting
Computer Assisted Drafting

Potential Advancement

Apprentices: Pay increases of 5% occur every six months provided the apprentice has received at least 800 hours of training. This training can be a combination of good “On the Job” training, as evaluated by the employer, and classroom instruction in the training center or
any training approved by the training committee.

Journeyman: Can become foreman, general foreman, estimator or contractor.

Employment Outlook

Montana State Sheet Metal Workers JATC has placed 10 to 12 new apprentices each year.
Contact program sponsors for information.

How to Apply

The Montana State Sheet Metal Workers JATC maintains qualified applicant lists in Billings,
Butte, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula. Requests for application can made by mail to the
address below or by phone. Applicants will be notified by mail of the time and place of interviews.

Completion Procedure

Upon completion of the program the apprentice will receive a Certificate of Completion from
the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Apprenticeship and Training Program. The
Montana state Sheet Metal Workers JATC Apprentice Training Center has been accredited
by the International Training Institute and completion of the program earns college credit recognized by the Ivy Tech State College in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Montana State Sheet Metal Workers JATC
PO Box 4048
Butte MT 59702-4048
Phone: 406-533-0112

SMWIA Local #103
5250 North Montana Ave.
Helena MT 59602
Phone: 406-458-3364

Montana Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

Sheet Metal Workers International Association
www.smwia.org/careers/