Sheet Metal Worker

*** Source: Trades Notebook for Skilled Trades Occupations in the Willamette Valley

Median Salary: $47,502/year

Sheet metal workers cut and mold sheets of metal into products for installing and repairing ventilation and air ducts. They set up and operate shears, press brakes, hand brakes, bending rolls, welding machines, and other equipment to cut, form, and attach metal together for applications such as metal roofing and stainless steel work for restaurants, kitchens, and hospitals. Most shops are completely computerized, so sheet metal workers may be responsible for programming control systems on various pieces of equipment.

Primary Tasks:

• Create construction or installation diagrams.
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
• Mark reference points on construction materials.
• Assemble products or production equipment.
• Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
• Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

Wages & Jobs

Training

Sheet Metal is a registered apprenticeship program. The Mid-Valley Sheet Metal Committee, MA #1060, contracts with Chemeketa Community College to administer the Sheet Metal program and provide courses under the guidance of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

High School/College Courses:

• Algebra I & II, Geometry
• Welding
• Drafting & CAD
• Blueprint Reading
• Industrial Arts

Apprenticeship:

HOW TO APPLY:

Opening announcements: www.chemeketa.edu/programs-classes/program-finder/apprenticeship/sheet-metal/.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proof of age: 17 years or older and HS diploma or GED Certificate
• High School transcript with 1 year of algebra or equivalent with grade “C” or higher, OR one post high school algebra course with a grade “C” or higher OR place into Math 070 or higher on the Chemeketa math placement test

LENGTH OF TIME:

This is a four-year program that combines 7,200 hours of on-the-job training with concurrent related-training credit courses. Apprentices earn 15 academic credits a year and attend classes year round.

WAGES:

The average journey-level wage for sheet metal workers working for program training agents for 2018 is $24.41 per hour. 

STEPS TO ENROLL:

• Get on the list to receive notice of openings.
• Compile your portfolio of documentation required for program entry.
• Submit your completed application during an application period.
• Attend the mandatory orientation to learn more about the program.

Contact:

Links for more information:

• Labor Market Information: www.qualityinfo.org
• State of Oregon Apprenticeship & Training Division: www.oregon.gov/BOLI/ATD/pages/index.aspx
• Women in Trades: www.tradeswomen.net
• Build Oregon: www.build-oregon.com
• Portland Sheet Metal Worker JATC: www.sheetmetal-16.org
• Sheet Metal JATC: www.abcpnw.org