Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program

Classes begin each fall and must be taken in sequence. The first two years are open to the public. Applications are accepted during designated openings.

Applications 

• Apply during the opening period: February 1 - November 30
• Applications are screened monthly; selected applicants are invited to orientation.
• Attendance at the mandatory orientation and completion of the online anti-harassment training are required to qualify.

Successful applicants

• Complete applications are scored based on points earned during the review process.
• Applicants receive their status via email after all requirements are met.

Mid-Valley Sheet Metal Committee, MA 1060 shall not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 18 years old or older. Mid-Valley Sheet Metal Committee, MA 1060 shall take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and shall operate the apprenticeship program as required under this Plan and Title 29 CFR, part 30.

Apprenticeship math placement

A math assessment is not required if you completed one year of algebra in high school or college with a C or higher. Submit an unofficial transcript with your application as proof.

If a math placement assessment is required, email placement@chemeketa.edu to request the Apprenticeship test.

Other questions? Contact apprenticeship@chemeketa.edu

Job description

Design, fabricate, install, and repair sheet metal products, including roofing, gutters, and siding. Build and install ductwork and fittings for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Working conditions

Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of environments. Tasks may involve scaffolding, ladders, and lifts, as well as working in elevated, confined, or awkward spaces. Duties include shop fabrication and on-site installation at construction projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proof of age with photo ID: 17 years or older to apply, 18 to register
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Provide one of the following:
  • High school transcript showing one year of Algebra (or equivalent) with a grade of C or higher;
  • Transcript showing one post–high school Algebra course with a grade of C or higher; or
  • Placement into Math 070 or higher on the Chemeketa Community College math placement test

How much can you earn?

The average journey-level wage for sheet metal workers employed by program training agents is $37.36 per hour.

Apprentices may receive two pay increases per year during the program.

The wage scale is updated annually each February.

Apprenticeship combines on-the-job (OJT) training with classroom learning (related training)

• Sheet Metal Apprenticeship is a four-year program
• Work OJT year-round with our training agents from the start of the program
• Related training begins in the fall and must be taken in sequence
• Earn five academic credits per term—15 credits per year, which may be financial aid eligible
• Complete all twelve classes and 7,200 OJT hours to earn your journey-level card

Additional training and degrees

Additional credits can be applied to an AAS degree and can transfer to either OIT for a BS degree or for the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Leadership and Management at Chemeketa.

Prepare by compiling your required documentation

• Diploma or GED certificate
• Unofficial transcripts from high school and college
• Placement test scores
• Work experience with construction-related tasks listed on letterhead with years of service
• Trades and safety certificates
• For Veterans, a copy of the DD214 long form

Suggested high school and college classes to prepare for your career

 Trade

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction Classes
• Drafting/CAD
• Electrical Theory
• Electronics
• Residential Wiring
• Trade Skills Fundamentals
• Welding

Math

• Algebra I & II
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Trigonometry

Other

• CPR/First Aid

Visit the following websites for more information.

Oregon Apprenticeship

Bureau of Labor and Industries

MA #1060 Standards of Apprenticeship