Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Program

Applications accepted February 1 - September 11

Applications are screened monthly:

1. Completed applications are scored based on points. 
2. Status emails are sent to applicants after all requirements are met.

Applicant requirements after submitting your application packet:

1. Attend the required one-hour orientation.
2. Complete the required online anti-harassment training. 
3. Applicants register for class via My Chemeketa and start in the fall term. 
   • No prerequisites are required to register.
   • You must have a student account, which is created when you apply for admission.
   • If you have a K number, this means you already have a student account.
   • Accounts become inactive after two years of inactivity.
   • If you aren't sure if you have an active account, call Admissions at 503.399.5001.
   • Reactivated accounts keep the same K number.
   • Classes are open to the public for the first year.
   • Classes must be taken in sequence beginning in the fall term:
     • fall, winter, and spring
     • no classes are required in the summer term, but full-time work happens all year round

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 and request the math test for apprenticeships, and include your phone number or Chemeketa ID (K Number).

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

• Provide proof of age with photo ID: 17 years or older to apply, 18 to register
• Provide one:  High school diploma, unofficial high school transcript with graduation date, 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 MTH 070 or higher on the Chemeketa math placement test: email placement@chemeketa.edu

How much can you earn?

See the wage scale. The journey-level wage reflects what program completers can expect to earn.

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

 Trades

• 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