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Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking

Program Description

Just the Facts

Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking. A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:



Related Programs

Often similar programs have different names. Be sure to explore all your options.

Additional Information

Sheet metal training gives students a range of skills. They learn to do everything from assembling eavestroughs to installing air conditioning systems.

You'll need to complete an apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with classroom study. Apprentices earn a wage, and must pass a test at the end of their apprenticeship to be promoted to journeyperson status.

A high school diploma is usually required to get into these programs.

Some people pick up the trade by working as helpers to experienced sheet metal workers. But they still take vocational school courses in math or sheet metal fabrication to supplement their work experience. To be promoted to the journeyperson level, they must pass the same written examination as apprentices.

Some colleges offer a pre-apprenticeship course designed to lead into a formal apprenticeship. Or they may provide the classroom portion of apprenticeship training in conjunction with government or trade-union sponsored programs.

American apprenticeship programs consist of four or five years of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction.

In high school, focus on your math, science and shop classes. Ric Olander, assistant director and head instructor at the Sheet Metal Training Center in Oregon, says he looks for apprentices who are "college-bound people willing to work hard, who can be team players, have good communication skills and can take direction well."

The minimum educational requirements for his program are three years of high school English, one year each of geometry and science, plus any five of the following -- mechanical drawing, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry, shop, biology, physics or calculus. Olander emphasizes that students must have minimum mark of C in all of these classes.

Apprentices must be trained by a skilled trade worker. Applicants need to have an agreement with an employer who will provide them with the work experience established by the industry's training standards.

Once in the program, apprentices' classroom training includes drafting, plan and specification reading, trigonometry and geometry, the use of computerized equipment, welding and the principles of heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems.

On the job, apprentices learn the basics of pattern layout and how to cut, bend, fabricate and install sheet metal. They begin with basic ductwork and gradually advance to more difficult jobs, such as making more complex ducts, fittings and decorative pieces. They also work with fiberglass, plastics and other non-metallic materials.

Apprentices may have to buy textbooks and equipment like safety boots, coveralls, safety glasses, measuring tape and padlocks. First aid courses may also be required.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Sheet Metal Workers

ArtMetal Village
A site dedicated to artistic metalworking

American Iron and Steel Institute -- Steel Works
News, statistics, publications and other information for steel workers

Working With Sheet Metal
Here are some tips for the home handyperson

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association
Offers distance education information

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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