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.

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, air conditioning equipment, as well as install decorative siding and metal roofs. If you have ambitions to become a foreman, superintendent 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-Application Requirements
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 yours of age. There is no maximum age for making application.

Education: A high school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or College Degree is recommended, but not required. If you have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or College Degree, send proof with your application.

Post-Application Requirements
Mathematical Test: The applicant is required to take and pass a ten minute timed test to measure an individual's ability to perform operations ranging in difficulty from simple counting (pre-school) to intermediate algebra (college graduate).

Written Test: The applicant is required to take and pass a written test, which is divided in to three sections.

* Mental Ability Test - a measurement of abstract thinking and reasoning ability, designed to reliably predict success in cognitive, school-oriented activities.

* Comprehension Test - measures the ability to understand mechanical relationships and physical situations.

* Paper Board Test - measures the ability to see objects in three dimensional spaces; this spatial visualization skill is related to the ability to interpret blueprints and diagrams.

Testing Notifications: 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.

Those who are unable to attend and call to reschedule prior to test date may reschedule up to 2 times.

No shows may only be rescheduled, as openings are available.

The period of apprenticeship in this program is five years. This five year period consists of ten six-month periods. Apprentices receive a pay rate increase each six months providing they have qualified according to the rules and regulations of the J.A.C.

The period of apprenticeship may be lengthened as required, by the J.A.C. for cause.

Probationary Period

Apprentices will serve a one year probationary period. During this time an employer may discharge an apprentice or the J.A.C. may terminate that person if they feel he/she cannot succeed as a Sheet Metal Worker.

Training Costs

The cost of your apprenticeship training is carried jointly by the State of California and by the Members and Contractors of Local #105 through the Local Training Fund. It is only right and equitable that the apprentice repay the industry's part of this cost by either cash payments or in-kind credits received by working in the Sheet Metal Industry for Employers under collective bargaining agreements whereby those employers make contributions to the Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund.

To expedite this matter, each apprentice will receive a Scholarship Loan Agreement at the beginning of each year to cover the industry's cost of training for that year. Each successive school year will require an additional Loan Agreement.

Classified Workers

These are individuals who work as a helper in the trade or are apprenticeship applicants pending acceptance into the apprenticeship once all qualifications are met. There is no ranking within this classified pool. Wages as classified worker range from 30% to 40% of thecurrent journeyman scale.