Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program

Classes begin in fall term.  First-year classes are open to the public.  You may only apply for the program during an opening.  Women, Veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply. 

Applications openings are based on industry need and announced:

• 30 days before applications are accepted
• and posted on this website.

Waitlist

Interested in applying?  Email or call 503.399.5255, and you will receive the application in the next opening. 

Successful applicants

Complete applications are ranked based on points received during the application process. You will be sent out in rank order to apply to work for our employer partners. 

Chemeketa placement testing for Apprenticeship

1. Submit this online form to determine the test you need:  placement assessment 
2. Answer all questions. Chemeketa Placement staff will direct you to the correct placement test. Under the Intent section, select “I am applying for an Apprenticeship...”
3. You will be notified by Placement staff on how to take the placement test (allow five business days to hear back). 
4. You will take the placement test at home, online and at your convenience.
5. Once completed, email placement@chemeketa.edu to request a PDF copy of your results (allow two business days to receive your results).
6. Questions or concerns? Contact apprenticeship@chemeketa.edu

Job description

Design, create, install and repair sheet metal products, including roofing, gutters and siding. Fabricate and install fittings and ductwork used in the construction industry for heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial and industrial applications. 

Working conditions

Work is both indoors and outdoors, using scaffolding, ladders, and high lifts--and may be in awkward positions and cramped spaces. You may work in shops performing fabrication or installation on constructions sites. 

Qualifications

• Proof of age: 17 years or older
• High school diploma or GED Certificate
• High School transcript with one year of algebra or equivalent with grade “C” or higher, OR one post high school algebra course with a grade “C” or higher OR place into Math 070 or higher on the Chemeketa math placement test

How much can you earn?

The average journey-level wage for sheet metal workers working for program training agents is $28.56 per hour. There is an opportunity for two pay raises per year during the program.

Training

Classroom instruction is combined with on-the-job training to provide the most comprehensive course of study for an apprentice in the sheet metal trade. This four-year program combines 7,200 hours of on-the-job training with concurrent related-training credit courses. Apprentices earn 15 academic credits a year and attend classes in the fall, winter and spring.

As a successful sheet metal apprentice, you may earn your journey-level card. 

Additional training and degrees

Additional Training and Degrees Credits can be applied to a Certificate or AAS degree and can transfer to OIT for a BS degree.

While waiting for an opening, you may compile a portfolio of documentation required for program entry.

• Diploma or GED certificate
• Transcripts from high school and college
• Placement test scores
• Work experience documented on letterhead with the tasks listed and years of service (construction related)
• 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

Women in Apprenticeship

MA #1060 Standards of Apprenticeship

Building Futures Magazine