- Will this class help me to get into the sheet metal apprenticeship?
- What are the wages I can expect to be paid?
- Can I earn my high school diploma while being enrolled in this program?
- Will I get individualized training?
- What are the personal requirements for success in this field?
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- Does this course have anything to do with HVAC?
- Does this course have anything to do with Welding?
- What are the general working conditions?
- What is the employment outlook?
- What is the nature of this kind of work?
- Where could I be employed?
- How and when can I start?
- How do I know the course curriculum is relevant and applicable?

Will this class help me to get into the sheet metal apprenticeship?
Yes. Students who complete designated areas of the program will receive direct entry into the apprenticeship with nine months or one full year credit. Other graduates completing other specific areas of the program will receive preferred status and or future credits during the interview process for entrance into the apprenticeship with Local 66. The articulation agreement is on the website outlining the details. www.bates.ctc.edu /sheetmetal

What are the wages I can expect to be paid?
Earnings vary according to the type of work performed and the area of employment. There are differences between non-union and union wages as well. Generally speaking, one can expect to earn $8 to $ 24 per hour plus limited benefits in the non-union segment of the industry, compared to $15.07 to $ 34 plus an excellent benefit package and future training opportunities with the union segment of the industry.

Can I earn my high school diploma while being enrolled in this program?
Yes. Students may enroll in the Sheet Metal Technology program as a running start student or a technical high school student. Please ask your local guidance counselor for details.

Will I get individualized training?
You bet! Though students are at various levels of training, Steve MacKay who is the instructor is committed to putting out well-trained entry-level people into the industry that Steve has been a part of for over twenty five years. Maximum student load in this program is eighteen. You can reach Steve at any time with calling 253.680.7394. Steve asks you to remember success is full of questions, and the only “dumb” question is the one not asked!

What are the personal requirements for success in this field?
Interested students should be in good physical condition and have mechanical and mathematical aptitude as well as good reading skills. Good eye-hand coordination, spatial and form perception, and manual dexterity also are important. These and many other skills will improve as the student progresses through this program.

How long does it take to complete the program?
We offer four different education tracks the student can pursue in this competency-based atmosphere. These hours are based on six-hour school days.

Residential Installer, 712 hours***

Production Support Technician, 725 hours*

Certificate of Competency, 1922 hours*

Sheet Metal Technician, 2329 hours**

Associate Degree in Sheet Metal Technologies, 2569**

* Prefered status/future credit in Interview process
** Direct entry into building trades apprenticeship
*** Direct entry into residential apprenticeship

Does this course have anything to do with Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)?
Yes, HVAC Technicians and Sheet Metal Technicians (HVAC Installers) often work closely with one another in the industry. We at Bates Technical College integrate our programs at times to best train our students. All sheet metal students go through one quarter of the HVAC program to learn helpful job related skills, as well as all HVAC students come to the Sheet Metal Technology to learn helpful skills to broaden their abilities when they go to seek work in the industry.

Does this course have anything to do with welding?
Yes, the second year portion of the program does have welding included in it. Once the student completes the Production Support portion of the sheet metal program; they will have numerous choices of study areas they can begin in Sheet Metal Technology. Students are able go to the south campus when seats are available to go through the six-week familiarity-welding program. Welding skills are very helpful when seeking a sheet metal related job.

What are the general working conditions?
The Sheet Metal Technician is employed indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. This is typical of all construction-related occupations. They will be expected to use and maneuver ladders and scaffolding on the job site. At times, workers will be required to work in confined spaces installing various components. Unlike most trades, shop fabrication jobs available for steady indoor working conditions.

What is the employment outlook?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a shortage of skilled trade persons as we enter into the 21st century. Sheet Metal as well as other trade related fields has a bright outlook for persons that are willing to commit the educational time needed to become skilled and in demand. Sheet metal workers held about 205,000 jobs in 2002.

What is the nature of this kind of work?
Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct systems; roofs; siding; rain gutters; downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; railroad cars; tailgates; customized precision equipment; and many other products made from metal sheets. They also may work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Although some workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance, most do all three jobs.

Sheet metal workers first study plans and specifications to determine the kind and quantity of materials they will need. They then measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces of sheet metal to make ductwork, countertops, and other custom products. In an increasing number of shops, sheet metal workers use computerized metalworking equipment. This enables them to perform their tasks more quickly and to experiment with different layouts to find the one that will result in the least waste of material. They cut, drill, and form parts with computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears, and presses.

In shops without computerized equipment, and for products that cannot be made on such equipment, sheet metal workers use hand calculators to make the required calculations and use tapes, rulers, and other measuring devices for layout work. They then cut or stamp the parts on machine tools.

Some jobs are done completely at the jobsite. When installing a metal roof, for example, sheet metal workers measure and cut the roofing panels that are needed to complete the job. They secure the first panel in place and interlock and fasten the grooved edge of the next panel into the grooved edge of the first. Then, they nail or weld the free edge of the panel to the structure. This two-step process is repeated for each additional panel. Finally, the workers fasten machine-made molding at joints, along corners, and around windows and doors for a neat, finished effect.

In addition to installation, some sheet metal workers specialize in testing, balancing, adjusting, and servicing existing air-conditioning and ventilation systems to make sure they are functioning properly and to improve their energy efficiency. Properly installed duct systems are a key component to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, which causes duct installers to sometimes be referred to as HVAC Installers.

Sheet metal workers in manufacturing plants make sheet metal parts for products such as aircraft or industrial equipment. Although some of the fabrication techniques used in large-scale manufacturing are similar to those used in smaller shops, the work may be highly automated and repetitive. Sheet metal workers doing such work may be responsible for reprogramming the computer control systems of the equipment they operate.

Where could I be employed?
Nearly two-thirds of all sheet metal workers were found in the construction industry. Of those employed in construction, almost half worked for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors; most of the rest worked for roofing and sheet metal contractors. Some worked for other special trade contractors and for general contractors engaged in residential and commercial building. One-quarter of all sheet metal workers work outside of construction and are found in manufacturing industries, such as the fabricated metal products, machinery, and aerospace products and parts industries. Some work for the Federal Government.

How and when can I start?
Bates enrolls students on a quarterly basis. Contact a career specialist at 253.680.7002 as soon as possible to ensure a seat. This program at times does have a waiting list that varies in length. We offer the best education that we can with holding the class level at not more than eighteen students at one time.

How do I know the course curriculum is relevant and applicable?
Sheet Metal Technology has been a cornerstone program at Bates Technical College for over 40 years, and continues to evolve to meet industry needs and changes. Our curriculum is based on industry input for skills and competencies needed to perform work on the job site as well as the shop atmosphere. We have an active advisory committee that meets regularly to guide program content and curriculum to be sure that our training conforms to industry standards and practices.