Sheet metal worker info needed

[DemonSpeeder]

I have been researching the sheet metal worker industry and I am looking for more information. I am considering the apprentice program at the Local 5 in Chattanooga.
I appreciate any information offered.......

[DemonSpeeder]

Anyone......

[Fegenbush]

What would you like to know that cannot be answered by a call to the hall? From my experience, there can be a great diversity in union sheet metal shops. What kind of work are you looking to do?

[DemonSpeeder]

Originally Posted by Fegenbush

What would you like to know that cannot be answered by a call to the hall? From my experience, there can be a great diversity in union sheet metal shops. What kind of work are you looking to do?

Thank you for your response, I have searched it on Google etc and I have gotten pictures of everything from, automotive projects, to computer,or appliance outer covers etc. I'm trying to find out exactly what type of projects are involved with being a SMW. I also have a personal flaw: heights. Is my fear of heights going to be a burden in this type of work? I am also looking for more info on the union portion of it; there's always the debate over union/non-union. I am also interested in other peoples personal experiences as a SMW.

[macvance]

I was a aircraft sheet metal mechanic for about seven years. Got into it through the Marines, and then did it for a few more years in the civilian sector. Loved it, but you are more limited in where you can go since fewer places have aircraft repair facilities.

Never worked union, but that kind of thing is more a personal matter. Some swear by them, some hate them. When I got out of the Marines though, and went to talk to the local sheet metal union guy, they were going to have me start at the bottom again for less than $12 an hour, and basically disregard all of the experience I had already gained. I skipped that nonsense and was making over $50k in a short period of time back on the aircraft as a civilian mechanic.

I've moved on from all of that now and fly a desk, but really miss sheet metal work. That's how I wound up lurking around here. Buying a used welder this weekend, and putting together a little shop of my own as much as possible. And that started with doing sheet metal work so personally I would highly encourage it, union or otherwise.

[macvance]

If you got into an A&P program somewhere, there's a number of good sheet metal/ A&P jobs in your general area. Gulfstream isnt' too far away, I believe Greenville, SC has a repair facility there, and there's a manufacturing facility somewhere in GA doing military stuff, but I don't remember where.

If you're already welding, an open door in to aircraft work might be to do what you have to do to get a certification as an aircraft welder. Can you tig on very thin stuff? The guys I knew used to carry a little foil-thin piece of metal that they had welded as part of their cert. They got paid the same as sheet metal workers, and often overlapped as sheet metal workers themselves.

[fireblaz]

check out www.smwia.org and you will get info there

[CADJockey]

25 years ago I served an apprenticeship with the SMWIA and turned out as a journeyman sheet metal mechanic after 4 years. IMO, the SMWIA and affiliated contractors had at that time a first rate top notch training program for apprentices. I don't know what shape the apprenticeship program is in these days but if it's anything like it was then, it would be a good opportunity if you can get in. Of coarse, you will have to work hard to get the most out of it and you will spend a few evenings each week at school and/or in the shop on your own dime. Totally worth it though and I highly recommend it. Get in touch with your local SMWIA business agent.