Education
Most sheet metal workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those interested in becoming a sheet metal worker should take high school classes in algebra, geometry, and general vocational education courses including blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and welding.
Many technical schools have programs that teach welding and metalworking. These programs help provide the basic welding and sheet metal fabrication knowledge that many workers need to perform their job.
Training
Most construction sheet metal workers learn their trade through 4- or 5-year apprenticeships. Each year, apprentices must have 1,700 to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 144 to 320 hours of related technical instruction, depending on the program. Apprentices learn construction basics such as blueprint reading, math, building code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. Welding may be included as part of the training.
Although most construction workers enter apprenticeships directly after finishing high school, some start out as helpers before entering apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship programs are offered at Ellis Heating Company, Inc. The basic qualifications for entering an apprenticeship program are being 18 years old and having a high school diploma or the equivalent.
After completing an apprenticeship program, sheet metal workers are considered to be journey workers who are qualified to perform tasks on their own.
Benefits
- Holiday/Vacation/Sick Pay
- Medical Insurance
- Voluntary Insurance Package
- Profit Sharing Plan
- Tool Account
- Company T-shirts & Hats
- Company vehicle
Job Responsibilities
- Sheet metal workers typically do the following:
- Installation sheet metal workers install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts
- Maintenance sheet metal workers repair and clean ventilation systems so the systems use less energy. Workers remove dust and moisture and fix leaks or breaks in the sheet metal that makes up the ductwork.
- Testing and balancing sheet metal specialists ensure that HVAC systems heat and cool rooms properly by adjusting sheet metal ducts to achieve proper airflow.
- Select types of sheet metal according to plans
- Measure and mark dimensions and reference lines on metal sheets
- Drill holes in metal for screws, bolts, and rivets
- Install metal sheets with supportive frameworks
- Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites
- Maneuver and anchor large sheet metal parts
- Fasten seams or joints by welding, bolting, riveting, or soldering
Minimum Qualifications
- Computer skills.Sheet metal workers use computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) programs and building information modeling (BIM) systems as they design products and cut sheet metal.
- Vulcan by Trimble: Training is provided.
- Dexterity.Sheet metal workers need good hand-eye coordination and motor control to make precise cuts and bends in metal pieces.
- Math skills.Sheet metal workers must calculate the proper sizes and angles of fabricated sheet metal, as it is important to ensure the alignment and fit of ductwork.
- Mechanical skills.Sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses to do their job. As a result, they should have good mechanical skills in order to operate and maintain equipment.
- Physical stamina.Sheet metal workers will spend many hours standing.
- Physical strength.Sheet metal workers must be able to lift and move ductwork that is often heavy and cumbersome. Able to lift 50 pounds.
About Us
With more than 70 years in the heating and cooling business, Ellis Heating Company, Inc. and Ellis Mechanical, LLC are mechanical contracting companies serving West Tennessee with unlimited license numbers (10458, & 61458) & bondable in TN. HVAC service is handled by our related party company, EC Sales and Service, LLC. Many of our employees have 15+ years of experience at Ellis Heating Company, Inc.; we’ve earned a reputation for doing the job right the first time.
