Work-Life Balance, Competitive Salary, Endless Opportunity for Growth

Careers
in Sheet Metal

SATISFYING, REWARDING,
LIFE-CHANGING

Explore Careers in Sheet Metal

Join us in a career that offers more variety than any other skilled trade. Any career path in the Sheet Metal trade is critically, creatively, and financially rewarding. Engage in meaningful work that is uplifting to our community at every level – from the comfort and quality of air systems to the artistry and innovation of architecture. Become a better problem solver, communicator, and critical thinker in a constantly varied work environment. Sharpen your technical skills, use job specific tools, and become proficient at tasks that are second nature to any craftsperson.

Sheet Metal is a high-demand industry with lots of growth on the horizon. As technology, tools, and efficiency advance, so must we rise to the occasion. With opportunities in leadership, ownership, training and outreach, Sheet Metal is a career with longevity and variety.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

ARTISANS, DESIGNERS, CRAFTSPEople, PROBLEM SOLVERS

Architectural

Ever notice a city skyline in all its reflective beauty? Well you can thank a sheet metal worker. Architectural sheet metal workers are often responsible for the exterior of contemporary structures. We fabricate and install metal panels, decorative details, and functional pieces crucial to the longevity and design of the project as a whole. Being an architectural sheet metal worker can be thrilling – on a swing stage working on a high rise, creatively satisfying – fabricating an intricate copper cornice to perfection, and logical – installing gutters to ensure decades of weatherproofing. Job titles in this field include:
  • Installer
  • Estimator
  • Fabricator
  • Crew leader
  • Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Supervisor

Commercial HVAC

Every building needs a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system; and every system needs someone to design, fabricate, and install it. That’s where we come in. The opportunities are endless in this sheet metal career track. Every project presents new ways for sheet metal workers to solve problems, work around other trades, and engineer solutions. From setting a huge air handler unit on the roof, to hooking up 6” round duct to a register, HVAC sheet metal work runs the gamut. Everyday offers something new to learn when you’re a sheet metal worker in HVAC. Job titles in this field include:

  • Installer
  • Service Technician
  • Supervisor
  • Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) Technician
  • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Technician
  • Energy Management Technician
  • Commissioning Agent
  • Project Manager
  • Detailer

Detailing

Sheet Metal Detailing is a career track that is complex, exacting, and rewarding. Right for someone willing to take on a challenge, detailing is the missing link between the architect design and how the job gets done in the field. A career in Sheet Metal Detailing will put those years of solving puzzles and computer aptitude to excellent use! Detailers use CAD (computer aided drafting) to create 3D models and coordinate through every phase of a project. Translating engineer approved architect designs into plans and drawings for Sheet Metal fabricators and installers, it is a detailer’s job to communicate with other industry professionals, provide approved blueprints to crews in the field, and adapt to construction changes. Detailers require a deep understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, company provided computer software, and project workflow. Our industry relies on the skill and knowledge of our detailers to pass on information so coordination, fabrication, and installation can happen at our standard level of excellence. Job titles in this field include:

  • Detailer
  • Estimator
  • Database Administrator
  • BIM (Building Information Modeling) Manager

Industrial

Industrial Sheet Metal is what most people think the sheet metal field is all about. Fabricating huge machinery and parts, welding metal plates, and operating the tools in a heavy metal shop are all things an Industrial Sheet Metal worker might do throughout their career. This career path offers opportunities to work with a large customer base and a variety of work orders. Industrial professionals work in heavy metal shops and fulfill demand for specific parts to be fabricated. Or they might work on site to repair machine components, field measure, or weld. Being an Industrial Sheet Metal worker is sure to satisfy a craving for adventure, machines, and heavy equipment. Job titles in this field include:

  • AWS-ASME Certified Industrial Welder
  • Custom Fabricator
  • Pipe Welder
  • Grinder and Finisher
  • Press Brake Operator
  • Power Slip Roll Operator
  • Shearing Machine Operator
  • Plasma Cutter Operator
  • Boom Truck Operator
  • Rigging
  • Estimator

Residential HVAC

One huge perk of a career in any trade is being able to take your skills home with you. With Residential HVAC, you can rest assured you will understand how the duct systems work in your home as well as the homes of all your friends. Residential HVAC is a career that offers predictable installation and quick turnover; perfect for professionals who work quickly and efficiently. The growing housing market requires our trade to keep up with demand of new developments, apartments, and remodels. Learn how HVAC systems work in homes new and old: and ultimately provide comfort, clean air, and safety to the community. Job titles in this field include:

  • New Construction Installer
  • Residential Finish Installer
  • Retrofit Technician
  • Residential Services Technician

HVAC Service Technician

The beauty of the Service side of our trade is that we are always in demand. Service Technician’s are experts in how equipment operates and how to fix them if something goes awry. This requires our technicians to be adept at troubleshooting many different makes and models of heating and cooling systems. You will use job specific tools to test system failures and identify immediate solutions. If working independently, having your own company vehicle, and answering service calls throughout the day sounds like the job for you, Service Tech could put you on the right path. Work in many environments such as hospitals, schools, offices, restaurants: every building needs maintenance to keep operating and stay productive. Imagine a bakery’s walk-in freezer being broken, – are you ready to be a hero to small business owners, hospitals, and the future of America? A career as an HVAC Service Tech nurtures pride and confidence as you keep society running behind the scenes. Job titles in this field include:

  • Installer
  • Service Technician
  • System Evaluator
  • Electrical Troubleshooting

Testing, Adjusting and Balancing

If you’re interested in a career that involves math, complex systems, and problem-solving, then Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) might be the perfect field for you. This career path is meant to ensure the proper air conditions after construction is complete and our HVAC systems are ready for startup. TAB technicians play a crucial role in the correct, safe, and efficient operation of air and water delivery systems. TAB professionals are responsible for working on air and water delivery systems to meet the specifications outlined by the design engineer. Proficiency in HVAC parts, measurements, and fluid flow system analysis are prerequisites to conducting tests, making adjustments, and tackling any problems that may be present in the system. This field offers numerous opportunities for growth and development.

Leadership

There are countless leadership opportunities with a career in Sheet Metal. Whether in the classroom, on a jobsite, or in the union office, our industry requires strong leadership in every stage of construction. Forepersons keep specific jobs running on schedule and on budget. Superintendents ensure the health and success of the company. Business Owners create job opportunities and supply quality products to meet demand. There are also opportunities within the Union. Instructors are needed as our apprenticeship classes continue to thrive. Business Agents ensure working standards are met with signatory contractors and our membership is treated fairly. Through outreach and recruitment, we are always working to raise awareness of our trade and attract qualified individuals into our industry.
  • Foreperson
  • Superintendent
  • Business Owner
  • Union Opportunities
  • Business Agent
  • Instructor
  • Recruiter/Outreach

CLASSROOM AND FIELD TRAINING

Explore Our Trade

The Sheet Metal Industry offers a variety of career opportunities for individuals seeking a challenging and rewarding career path. This video offers an excellent insight into the type of the training you will receive as an apprentice and what you will learn on-the-job. In addition, find out what skills are required to become a professional sheet metal worker.

Second Year

"My goal is that when I journey out, my wife will be free to work as little as she wants without negatively impacting our financial situation"

Keith

Benefits of a Career in Sheet Metal

  • Quality of life 
  • High compensation
  • Full family health insurance
  • Comprehensive retirement benefits
  • Zero college debt
  • Job security
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