Sheet Metal Worker (Bench Hand) apprenticeship

Description of an apprenticeship as a Sheet Metal Worker (Bench Hand)

Table of Contents

Sheet Metal Worker (Bench Hand) apprenticeship

DOT code: 804.281-010, AIMS code: 0510

Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook for a detailed description of this trade. Type the trade name in the search box and hit enter.

Description

Plans, lays out, fabricates, assembles, installs, and repairs sheet metal parts, equipment, and products, utilizing knowledge of working characteristics of metallic and nonmetallic materials, machining, and layout techniques, using hand tools, power tools, machines, and equipment: Reads and interprets blueprints, sketches, or product specifications to determine sequence and methods of fabricating, assembling and installing sheet metal products. Selects gauge and type of sheet metal, such as galvanized iron, copper, steel, or aluminum or nonmetal material, such as plastics or fiberglass, according to product specifications. Lays out and marks dimensions and reference lines on material, using scribers, dividers, squares, and rulers, applying knowledge of ship mathematics and layout techniques to develop and trace patterns of products or parts [SHEET METAL LAY OUT WORKER (any industry) 809.281-010] or using templates. Sets up and operates fabricating machines, such as shears, brakes, presses, forming rolls, and routers, to cut, bend, block, form, or straighten materials. Shapes metal material over anvil, block, or other form, using hand tools. Trims, files, grinds, deburrs, buffs, and smooths surfaces, using hand tools and portable power tools. Welds, solders, bolts, rivets, screws, clips, caulks, or bonds components parts to assemble products, using hand tools, power tools and equipment. Installs assemblies in supportive framework according to blueprints, using handtools, power tools, and lifting and handling devices. Inspects assemblies and installation for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, dial indicators, gauges, and micrometers. Repairs and maintains sheet metal products. May operate computer aided drafting (CAD) equipment to develop scale drawings or product or system. May operate laser beam cutter [LASER BEAM MACHINE OPERATOR (welding) 815.682-010] or plasma arc cutter [ARC CUTTER, PLASMA ARC (welding) 816.364-010] to cut patterns from sheet metal. May be designated by type of metal as Coppersmith (any industry); Tinsmith (any industry); or according to type of activity as Fabricator, Special Items (any industry); Model Maker, Sheet-Metal (any industry); Product Development Worker (any industry); Roofer, Metal (construction); Sheet Metal Installer (any industry); Sheet Metal Worker, Maintenance (any industry); Shop Mechanic (any industry).

Work process schedule

Task Hours
A. General sheet metal work 1000
B. Operation of hand tools and power machines 1400
C. Ventilation and air conditioning 1500
D. Exhaust and blow pipe work 1800
E. Roofing, spouting, and guttering 300
F. Force and warm air systems 1000
G. Special installation and specialty work, such as kitchen equipment 1000
   
(Every 2,000 hours = one year) total hours: 8000

Related technical instruction

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires 150 hours each year of related technical instruction which must be mastered by the apprentice in order to successfully complete the program. The following is a general listing of instruction topics for this trade. To download a complete description of this trade click on the work process folder shown above. For further information, please call the Division of Apprentice Standards at (617) 626-5409

First year
Introduction
Applied mathematics
Drafting and sketching
Shopwork
Layout and pattern development
Materials
Field Installation
Pipe and/or material selection
Safety
Basic electricity
H.V.A.C. systems
Computer literacy

 

Second year
Introduction
Applied mathematics
Drafting and sketching
Shopwork
Layout and pattern development
Evacuation techniques
Field installation of sheet metal and duct board
Reading plans and specifications
Gas piping requirements and good piping practices
Combination air requirements of chimneys, vents, and flues.
H.V.A.C. system
Electrical and controls
Energy - introduction
Service work
Testing and balancing
Computer literacy

Third year
Introduction
Mathematics - trade Follow-up
Drafting and sketching
Shopwork
Layout and pattern development
Materials
Field installation
safety
Reading plans and specifications
H.V.A.C. systems
Electrical and controls
Solar heating
Energy
Boilers
Service work and trouble Shooting
Testing and balancing
Blow pipe
Specialties
Computer literacy

 

Fourth year
Introduction
Business management
Applied mathematics
Customer relations
Drafting and Sketching
Shopwork
Layout and pattern Development
Field Installation
Reading plans and specifications
Air conditioning
Electrical and controls
Testing and balancing
Boilers
Blow pipe
Rigid fibrous duct board

Additional Resources

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