Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Training
The apprenticeship-training program creates and fosters a learning environment in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), architectural and industrial sheet metal industry.
Training includes one classroom day every two weeks. The remaining workdays are hands-on training in the shop or on the jobsite. This fosters a varied learning environment by placing apprentice sheet metal workers with those journeyman and instructors that are skilled at imparting both knowledge and experience. The apprentices learn to measure, layout, and cutout, form up, and install sheet metal products.
If you are interested in becoming a sheet metal apprentice, please contact gkanaar@eastmuskegon.com
Course Curriculum
General Sheet Metal Knowledge
Includes a brief history of the union sheet metal industry, introduction to materials,
tools and equipment and applied math. Students become familiar with the basics of the trade and learn the proper
function and use of tools and equipment.
Safe-to-Work
In addition to safe-to-work issues covered in other areas of training, this class includes comprehensive
information on safety and health relevant to the sheet metal industry. Included is a ten-hour OSHA safety class.
Layout and Pattern Drafting
From the introduction of basic drafting tools and equipment to developing techniques
in mechanical drawing, layout and pattern development, this class provides complete instruction in the skills required to be a successful and productive sheet metal worker.
Reading Plans and Specifications
Includes instruction in reading plans and specifications as they relate to the sheet
metal industry. Students work with structural, mechanical, electrical and other drawings and specifications.
Participants are provided hands-on exercises designed to familiarize them with this material.
Shop Skills and Metal Fabrication
Provides expert guidance and instruction in metal fabrication, continued use of
shop tools and equipment as necessary to fabricate the wide variety of sheet metal products produced by journeymen in the industry.
Material Handling, Rigging and Signaling
Includes use of proper hand signals for directing forklifts, crane or other
material handling operations. Basic rigging and load handling techniques are covered. Review of proper procedures
for safely moving and lifting of materials by hand is included. Basic knots used in handling and securing materials are included. Includes practical application through use of ‘mock’ rigging, lifting and signaling exercises.
Architectural Sheet Metal
Addresses the unique requirements of architectural sheet metal including metal roof
systems, flashing, gutter, downspout, etc. Students learn proper fabrication and installation techniques as dictated by SMACNA and other industry standards.
Lagging-Round Layout Shortcuts
Explores the special skills used in sheet metal used to cover insulated round pipe
and fittings. This class covers shortcuts and ‘tricks of the trade’ useful in the part of the sheet metal industry.
Specialty and Food Service
Includes working with stainless steel and other metals as are common to food service
and other specialty areas. Fabrication of hoods, counters, sinks and other items used in food service are covered and other specialties such as pharmaceutical and polishing.
Computer Training
Participants are given an introduction to computers for those lacking computer skills. CNC data
input and CAD instruction is provided.
Welding and Weld Certification Testing
Welding is taught in each of the four years of apprenticeship and encompasses several welding processes including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and others. Safe and correct use of materials and equipment is stressed and basic electrical, metallurgy and chemical aspects are discussed. Opportunity is provided for welder qualification and certification testing.
HVAC Service
Involves troubleshooting and repair of air conditioning and heating units used in residential,
commercial and industrial application. Training includes understanding of electrical and refrigeration systems,
necessary math skills etc. and includes classroom, computer based and hands-on instruction. A well-trained service
technician is also skilled in repair to other refrigeration units such as commercial and home refrigerators and freezers as well as icemakers and other similar units.