Sheet Metal Program
Our Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program
ABCNM sheet metal apprentices earn competitive wages and benefits while working on the job. Depending on the training period, an apprentice’s wages are based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate for public works projects or a wage survey for non-public works jobs.
The ABCNM Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Training Program encompasses a minimum of four years and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Applicants, who can document prior experience, may be eligible to take a placement test and could potentially begin their apprenticeship training program at a higher class year.
A normal workweek is 40 hours. However, due to the nature of this industry, hours may be more or less depending on weather conditions, other trades, job delays, or other unforeseen situations. Apprentices should be prepared to travel to job sites. Dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.
ABCNM apprentices attend school two nights a week, two semesters a year (Fall and Spring) for 4 years. Apprentices may also be required to attend scheduled Saturday classes throughout the year. In class, ABCNM instructors teach practical application and theory. In addition, demonstrations and hands-on instruction are conducted on safe and proper methods.
After completing ABCNM’s apprenticeship program, graduates receive a certificate of completion from the State of New Mexico and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. More importantly, they will have the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.
Because of the length of the program, commitment to the classroom, and on-the-job performance requirements, one should be passionate about and dedicated to their chosen trade. When making selection decisions, ABCNM looks for candidates who want to become career sheet metal workers.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) developed the apprenticeship programs to help meet construction industry demands for skilled craftspeople. The ABCNM Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program is accredited by the State of New Mexico, and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. ABC’s apprenticeship programs help contractors maintain a safe and skilled workforce. With competition as stiff as it is today, quality performance is critical in order to bring construction projects in on time and under budget.
About The Trade
Plan, lay out, fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal parts, equipment and products, using knowledge of the working characteristics of metallic and non-metallic materials, machining, and layout techniques. Uses hand and power tools, machines and equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, or product specifications to determine sequence and methods of fabricating, assembling, and installing sheet metal products.
Select gauge and type of sheet metal (e.g., galvanized iron, copper, steel or aluminum) or nonmetallic material (e.g., plastics, fiberglass) according to product specification.
Lay out and mark dimensions and reference lines on material.
Set up and operate fabricating machines (e.g., shears, brakes, presses, forming rolls or routers) to cut, bend, block and form or straighten materials.
Shape metal materials over anvils, blocks or other forms using hand tools. Trim, file, grind, de-burrs, buff and smooth surfaces, using hand and portable power tools. Weld, solder, bolt, rivet, screw, clip, caulk or bond component parts to assemble products, using hand and power tools, and other equipment.
Install assemblies in supportive framework according to blueprints, using hand and power tools and lifting and handling devices.
Inspect assemblies and installation for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, scales, dial indicators, gauges and micrometers).
Repair and maintain sheet metal products.
May operate computer-aided-drafting (CAD) equipment to develop scale drawings of precuts or systems and laser-beam cutter or plasma arc cutter to cut patterns from sheet metal.
Specialties are classified according to type of material or type of activity.
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. New Mexico Chapter will 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 40 years old or older. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. New Mexico will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30 and 11.2.2 NMAC.