About Sheet Metal Institute
The Sheet Metal Institute is a non-profit union training center serving all of Oregon and Southwest Washington. With state-of-the art campuses in Portland, Oregon and Springfield, Oregon, we offer unmatched training in the Sheet Metal Industry. Our staff is comprised of both administrators and instructors; 11 full-time and 10 part-time. Combined, our team has nearly 250 years of industry experience. Our areas of instruction include HVAC, architectural and industrial sheet metal, and service.
Our union sheet metal apprenticeship was established over 100 years ago. The modern apprenticeship training as we know it today has been in place since 1973. We moved into our current Portland campus in 1995. To better serve central and southern Oregon, we opened our second campus in Springfield in 2011. Over 300 apprentices are enrolled in our 5-year program at any given time. Each year, we “turn out” or graduate an average of 75 apprentices. Through hard work and dedication, apprentices earn their journey card and officially become journeypersons.
The Sheet Metal Institute works with two organizations, SMART Local 16 and SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington. SMART stands for Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers. These are the union members. Learn more about SMART Local 16 here. SMACNA stands for Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association. These are the contractors who employ our apprentices and journeypersons. A list of our contractors can be found here. All three of our organizations work together to ensure we have the most well-trained, highly skilled, and certified sheet metal workforce in the region.
Now is an amazing time to become a skilled sheet metal worker. We are always accepting applications into our training program.
Our Mission
To be the leader in the recruitment, education and training of skilled craftspeople in the sheet metal industry.
Our Vision
To be the gateway to a high paying and meaningful career in the sheet metal industry that enriches you, your family and your community.
