ABOUT ITI
A Brief History
The training programs and materials offered by ITI are the result of an employee welfare benefit plan established on May 12, 1971 to fund the training and development of apprentices and workers in the sheet metal industry.
ITI
-Provides and maintains training and retraining programs
-Conducts train-the-trainer programs
-Develops and distributes training materials designed to improve the quality of workmanship and productivity in the sheet metal industry
-Investigates, researches and monitors changing technology and specialty fields to meet the ever-evolving demands of a dynamic industry
Tuition:
ITI’s courses, textbooks, videos and other learning materials are offered free of charge to trainees. ITI’s combination of classroom learning and paid on-the-job training offers an outstanding opportunity for trainees to earn while they learn.
Number of dedicated training facilities:
United States: 165 Canada: 21
ITI’s instructors:
All of ITI’s instructors are former sheet metal workers or are still actively involved in the trade either as workers, managers or owners of their own company. They provide a wealth of hands-on, real-world experience. ITI’s Train the Trainer program is designed to ensure a high standard of quality across the training facilities.
Average class size:
Most classes average around 17 participants, creating a desirable instructor-student ratio. In general, basic instruction or overview courses average around 25 participants, but could, depending on the training facility, accommodate more.
Training facilities:
ITI’s facilities provide hands-on training in state-of-the art labs. Training facilities are located in both urban and rural areas.
Accreditation:
ITI’s training centers are accredited by an independent accreditation board made up of members from Ivy Tech, Kansas State University, SMACNA and SMWIA.
Flexible learning:
ITI’s courses are available in a variety of formats designed to accommodate today’s apprentices and journeymen and to facilitate continuing education. Apprentices mostly attend classes and labs and can also take online courses for college credit. Journeymen can continue education with specialized area certifications or make career path changes.
Learning formats available include:
-Standard classroom format
-Distance learning
-Online learning
Student profile:
ITI’s students work with a contractor while they attend classes and many typically remain with the same employer throughout their apprenticeship training. They receive a combination of classroom and on-the-job training that enables them to progress in their chosen field. This combination offers students an outstanding opportunity to advance in their careers while they learn. And it helps ensure that the sheet metal industry has well-trained and educated workers.
LEADERSHIP
James Shoulders
Executive Administrator
International Training Institute, Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust, National Energy Management Institute
P: 703-739-7200
E: jshoulders@sheetmetal-iti.org
W: www.sheetmetal-iti.org
James Shoulders comes to the ITI as a second generation sheet metal worker. He started his apprenticeship in 1987 and was employed by Brad Snodgrass Inc. in Indianapolis, IN.
While advancing in his career he was a full-time apprenticeship instructor for Local #20 from 1992 to 1996. At that time Local 20 promoted James to Director of Training for the Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship & Training Trust.
In 2002 Shoulders graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Labor Education from The National Labor College.
In 2001 Shoulders became the Administrator of Education for the International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal Workers International Association and the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association. He served in that position until 2006 when he was promoted to Administrator of the International Training Institute. In 2009 Shoulders was promoted to Executive Administrator for ITI/NEMI/SMOHIT.
