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Southern Minnesota Training Information
Greg Andrist Business Representative Apprenticeship Coordinator
1500 1st Ave NE Suite #126 Rochester, MN 55906 (507) 288-7766 Fax (507) 280-0559
gandrist@smw10.org
JOB DESCRIPTION:
In spite of technological changes, the Sheet Metal Worker remains nearly the only building tradesperson to start with raw materials, custom-make complex systems, and then install them. He/she can transform flat sheets of metal into any size or shape that is required by working from a blueprint or verbal instructions.

Being a Sheet Metal Worker involves the fabrication, erection, installation, repairing, replacing and servicing of all residential heating and air conditioning systems and the architectural sheet metal work on such residences.

Workers will gain a knowledge of heating, cooling and ventilation systems; techniques of welding, and the functions of compressors and condensers in the refrigeration cycle. Includes areas such as solar installation, hoisting and rigging, soldering, and energy management and retrofitting of environmental systems. Most people consider the term "air conditioning" to merely imply cooling the air. But air conditioning is much more comprehensive when the term "conditioning the air" is used.

Sheet Metal Workers help provide these types of systems; which heat, cool, and ventilate - providing a completely controlled environment. The rapidly expanding use of new materials and processes in manufacturing plants throughout the nation today is presenting new health hazards at an alarming rate. The Sheet Metal Workers also helps provide systems that will safely remove fumes, dust, smoke, heat, odors, carbon dioxide and other dangerous contaminants to combat this situation. 		Many Sheet Metal Workers also have an important role due to the large amount of sheet metal work that goes into sign making, hospital and restaurant equipment, aircraft and shipbuilding, In addition, the knowledge and skill of the Sheet Metal Worker is needed by other industries in products requiring sheet metal work. A descriptive booklet can be obtained by contacting the Business Representative or Apprenticeship Coordinator.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM:
Program includes 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of on-the-job training and about 180 hours of related instruction each year.  There is a probationary period of not more than 500-hours, which, annulment of the apprenticeship will be made by the Committee upon request of either party.At the time of application, applicants will be required to take a test designed to determine competence in mechanical aptitude, mathematics, and reading comprehension.  The applicant will be ranked according to aptitude test score, work experience, high school or equivalent grades and post-secondary sheet metal training, if any.  Applicants will be placed in descending order of ranking as demand warrants.

APPLICATIONS:
Applications for apprenticeship are taken year-round, by appointment.  Please contact Greg Andrist at the address and phone number above or you can e-mail him at gandrist@smw10.org

Hours:
In the winter, the hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During the summer, the hours vary, with 8-hour days anywhere between 6:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

QUALIFICATIONS:Must be 18 years of age or older. Must be a high school graduate or possess a Certificate of Equivalency (G.E.D.). While it is not required that an applicant be a graduate of or have attended a sheet metal program from a technical vocational institute, consideration will be given in the selection process for such graduation and attendance. Must possess the physical ability to perform the duties of the craft. Apprenticeship applicants shall furnish the following along with their application:

1) Birth certificate or reliable information on date of birth.
2) High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
3) High school transcript showing grades and attendance. 4) Post-secondary diploma(s), if applicable.
5) Post-secondary transcripts, if applicable.
6) Military discharge and Form DD-214, if applicable.
7) A physical examination may be required prior to the indenturing of an apprentice.

Tools Needed:
Workers need to provide themselves with their own hand tools (such as a screw driver, prick punch, dividers, crescent wrench, a small whitney, center punches, pliers, hammers, etc.). Costs run around $600.00.

Transportation Requirements:
Workers are expected to be able to get to the job on time; the union represents many shops outside of the Metropolitan area, thus workers are sometimes required to move around.

 

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Southern Minnesota Sheet Metal JATC
1500 1st Ave NE Suite 126, Rochester MN 55906
Phone (507) 951-3220 Fax (507) 374-1234 Office-Fax (507) 280-0559
 E-Mail- ryspaulding@yahoo.com