Frequently asked Questions (FAQ’s):
What are the minimum requirements to apply to the program?
- No prior experience in the sheet metal trade is necessary to apply.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must possess a valid California State Drivers License.
- You must provide a copy of your High School Diploma or GED.
- You must provide your Social Security Card.
What is the process of getting accepted after I have submitted my application?
Provided that you have met the minimum requirements to apply, you will need to pass our math skills assessment exam with a minimum score of 70% after you have completed your application. There is no cost to apply to our program or to take the math exam.
-Then-
Based on your score from the exam, you will be placed on a ranked waiting list of applicants who will be scheduled to appear before our joint apprenticeship training committee (JATC) to be interviewed. You must earn at average score of the least 70 out of a possible 125 points from the interview process to be considered for selection into our program. The committee meets 4 times annually to conduct applicant interviews, and you will receive a letter in the mail informing you at least 15 days in advance of the date of your interview.
-Then-
Based on your averaged score from the math exam and JATC interview, you will be placed on a ranked waiting list of approved applicants. Approved applicants are those applicants who have met the minimum scoring requirements of both the math exam and JATC interview. Interviewed applicants will receive a letter in the mail informing them of the results of their application process and ranking on our approved applicant list, if any. In the event that multiple applicants obtain the same score, the date of application shall prevail on our ranked list.
-Then-
As employer demand dictates, approved applicants are notified by phone that we have an immediate employment opportunity available. You will be given instructions to visit the training center to file membership papers with SMART Local Union 105 before being indentured as a California State registered apprentice, and dispatched to work usually within 1-3 days of the call. Please be aware that there is an initiation fee and union dues associated with becoming a member of SMART Local 105. Our program rules dictate that you must be a member in good standing with SMART Local 105 in order to be dispatched to work for our signatory employers. The dispatcher will inform you of the amount of the initiation fee and membership dues during your call.
How Long is The Program?
The program is 5 years in length, and is divided into (10) six-month semesters. Among other requirements, apprentices in our program must complete 88 hours of RSI Training (school) and 750 hours of on-the-job training per semester in order to advance to their next level of apprenticeship. You will have completed your apprenticeship when you have accumulated 880 school hours and 7,500 work hours. Classes for newly indentured apprentices start in January of each year. Training is free.
How Often do I Have to Attend School?
Apprentices in our program attend classes in their first 2 years of apprenticeship during the day, one day a week, every other week (twice a month), typically for 8 hours each day.
The final 3 years of apprenticeship classes are conducted in the evenings, after work, one night per week, typically for 4 hours each night.
Apprentices are not paid their hourly wages by their employers while in class.
What will I be learning in class? Will I be sitting at a desk all day reading some boring books?
Sheet Metal Workers cover at least 9 different scopes of work related to the construction industry. We train Air Conditioning Service Technicians, Industrial Welders, CAD Detailers (Computer-Aided Design), Stainless Steel Kitchen Equipment Installers, Sheet Metal Roof Installers, and HVAC Fire/Life-Safety Technicians just to name a few. Our training facility is designed to provide our apprentices with a broad educational experience that they may not be receiving while employed with certain contractors. Being bored in class is the last thing you need to worry about. Visit our Facebook page or blog to get a glimpse of what to expect when you enter our program.
I read somewhere that I can earn college credits as an apprentice. Is this true?
Yes. Our program is registered with the Kern Community College District and our graduate apprentices earn over 30 units of college credits from Bakersfield Community College to apply towards an Associates in Arts Degree.
What is the starting pay? When will I get a raise? What about health benefits?
Besides the state-of-the-art training and industry recognized credentials that you’ll earn for free, the very best part of our program is it is jointly managed by both union and employer associations under a collective bargaining agreement (a contract). The starting pay is competitive and considered above average for those entering the construction industry with no prior experience. Hourly wages (including raises), healthcare, and retirement benefits are negotiated by contract for the membership of Local 105 on typically a 3-5 year cycle.
Information about the pay and benefits are available upon request (Contact Us).