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Our Apprenticeship Training Program

Sheet Metal JATC San Diego provides a state certified training program covering San Diego and Imperial Counties. Our apprentices work full-time and attend class part-time. The program is a total of five years and combines 960 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. While working full time, you’ll attend school at our campus for 40 hours a week, five weeks a year, for five years. Throughout the program, apprentices receive raises every six months. A typical class has an average of 25 students. You will work closely with your classmates and develop bonds that will last a lifetime.  

Minimum Qualifications

When you graduate from our program, you receive a Certificate of Completion from the state of California and a journey card that is recognized by every Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation (SMART) local union in North America. Your journey card allows you to work anywhere in the United States and Canada.

As an apprentice, you are eligible for full healthcare benefits for you and your family from day one of our program. In addition, contributions toward your retirement begin immediately. In addition, while taking apprenticeship training classes, you are earning credits toward an associate degree from Palomar Community College.

960 Hours of Classroom Instruction

8,000 Hours of On-the-Job Training

Gain proficiency in organizing and laying out a jobsite for mechanical duct installation. Develop the ability to interpret contract drawings and effectively communicate through precisely drawn shop drawings and pictorial sketches. Provide explanations and demonstrations of trade fittings and terminology utilized in the manufacturing and installation of mechanical ducts, materials, and equipment.

Acquire knowledge about four HVAC system categories and distinguish between package units, split systems, built-up systems, and package terminal air conditioners. Articulate the purpose of HVAC control systems and identify three types of control systems along with their principal components.

Master welding fundamentals, delve into the history of welding, understand safety protocols, explore electrical principles, study various types of metals, and become proficient in welding documentation and symbols. Engage in hands-on welding experiences across different processes and refine grinding techniques.

Illustrate the significance of hands-on techniques in measuring, sketching, detailing for fabrication, and job layout. Develop skills in print and specification reading, as well as the installation of ornamental materials and systems used in architectural sheet metal work and the industry.

Comprehend the operation and function of existing building HVAC systems. Learn the process of verifying ventilation, filtration, and the physical properties of air inside a building.

Familiarize yourself with various types of construction documents, adeptly read and handle a set of plans, and understand the purpose of shop drawings. Learn how to use software such as Procore and Bluebeam for reading and marking up sets of plans.

Utilize computer-aided drafting to master the art of detailing, generating detailed HVAC construction drawings for installation purposes.

Engages in the comprehensive process of laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, brazing, soldering, and installing HVAC equipment. Proficiently handles fittings, copper line sets, thermostats, and ductwork. Specialized in Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB), commissioning, servicing, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Expertise extends to detailing and building image modeling for HVAC systems. Work both in the shop and the field. 2,500 OJT Hours

Demonstrates precision in laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, soldering, and installing various architectural elements such as cornices, fascia, gutters, downspouts, flashings, metal wall panel systems, metal roofing, and skylights. Work both in the shop and the field. 2,500 OJT Hours

Applies expertise in laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, and repairing metal components and jobbing.  750 OJT Hours

Works on laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, and installing kitchen equipment and accessories essential for operational needs. Engages in general sheet metal and specialty Works in both shop and field settings. 500 OJT hours.

Engages in the layout, manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly processes in preparation for welding across HVAC, Architectural, Industrial, and Kitchen Equipment. 750 OJT Hours

Diversifies skills through activities such as truck driving, duct sealing, insulation, and shop or job clean-up, ensuring the seamless operation of primary job functions. Also involved in vehicle maintenance and explores incidental activities necessary for the job. Additionally, contributes to solar installation and stays updated on green construction technologies. 1,000 OJT Hours

960 Hours of Classroom Instruction

Gain proficiency in organizing and laying out a jobsite for mechanical duct installation. Develop the ability to interpret contract drawings and effectively communicate through precisely drawn shop drawings and pictorial sketches. Provide explanations and demonstrations of trade fittings and terminology utilized in the manufacturing and installation of mechanical ducts, materials, and equipment.

Acquire knowledge about four HVAC system categories and distinguish between package units, split systems, built-up systems, and package terminal air conditioners. Articulate the purpose of HVAC control systems and identify three types of control systems along with their principal components.

Master welding fundamentals, delve into the history of welding, understand safety protocols, explore electrical principles, study various types of metals, and become proficient in welding documentation and symbols. Engage in hands-on welding experiences across different processes and refine grinding techniques.

Illustrate the significance of hands-on techniques in measuring, sketching, detailing for fabrication, and job layout. Develop skills in print and specification reading, as well as the installation of ornamental materials and systems used in architectural sheet metal work and the industry.

Comprehend the operation and function of existing building HVAC systems. Learn the process of verifying ventilation, filtration, and the physical properties of air inside a building.

Familiarize yourself with various types of construction documents, adeptly read and handle a set of plans, and understand the purpose of shop drawings. Learn how to use software such as Procore and Bluebeam for reading and marking up sets of plans.

Utilize computer-aided drafting to master the art of detailing, generating detailed HVAC construction drawings for installation purposes.

8,000 Hours of On-the-Job Training

Engages in the comprehensive process of laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, brazing, soldering, and installing HVAC equipment. Proficiently handles fittings, copper line sets, thermostats, and ductwork. Specialized in Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB), commissioning, servicing, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Expertise extends to detailing and building image modeling for HVAC systems. Work both in the shop and the field. 2,500 OJT Hours

Demonstrates precision in laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, soldering, and installing various architectural elements such as cornices, fascia, gutters, downspouts, flashings, metal wall panel systems, metal roofing, and skylights. Work both in the shop and the field. 2,500 OJT Hours

Applies expertise in laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, and repairing metal components and jobbing.  750 OJT Hours

Works on laying out, manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, and installing kitchen equipment and accessories essential for operational needs. Engages in general sheet metal and specialty Works in both shop and field settings. 500 OJT hours.

Engages in the layout, manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly processes in preparation for welding across HVAC, Architectural, Industrial, and Kitchen Equipment. 750 OJT Hours

Diversifies skills through activities such as truck driving, duct sealing, insulation, and shop or job clean-up, ensuring the seamless operation of primary job functions. Also involved in vehicle maintenance and explores incidental activities necessary for the job. Additionally, contributes to solar installation and stays updated on green construction technologies. 1,000 OJT Hours

This is an extraordinary time to become a skilled sheet metal worker, and we are always accepting applications for our highly valued training program.

“What I like most about the apprenticeship is getting to learn while I earn. I also receive consistent raises as I progress. These benefits not only push me to do better, but help me live better as well.”
Christian
Apprentice, Second Year, Period 3
“What I like most about the apprenticeship is getting to learn while I earn. I also receive consistent raises as I progress. These benefits not only push me to do better, but help me live better as well.”
Christian
Apprentice, Second Year, Period 3
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