Sheet metal workers get educated to keep working

Testing, adjusting and balancing certification fills niche for Michigan workers

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Matt O’Rourke and Mike Stolber of Michigan took their sheet metal careers into their own hands when they made the decision to specialize in testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB). With the jobless rate in Michigan the sixth-highest in the nation, finding work was their job and they hoped TAB would be the niche they needed.

Both men are members of Sheet Metal Local #80 in Detroit, but O’Rourke is a fourth-year apprentice while Stolber is a seasoned journeyman. Other than their local, the men also had something else in common – the need to succeed and be happy doing it.

While they were laid off, they each enrolled in their first introductory TAB technician training course offered by the International Training Institute, the education arm of the unionized sheet metal and air conditioning industry. The training was made possible by a $5 million Energy Training Partnership grant awarded in 2010 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

The 120-hour class taught the theory of heat transfer, psychrometrics, related math formulas, proper procedural usage of instruments, development reporting and hands-on industry standard testing, adjusting and balancing techniques. From then, they were hooked.

“I got the temporary lay-off at the shop the same week they were offering the class. I wasn’t even sure there would be room,” O’Rourke said. “It fits my capabilities.”

Stolber was interested in TAB from the beginning. Not only did he complete the 120-hour TAB course, he went on to graduate from the TAB supervisor, and TAB commissioning supervisor courses.

“I’ve always been interested in it, and I took the course hoping it would help my job chances,” Stolber said. “In TAB, you learn more about how a system actually works instead of just doing ductwork.”

With their corresponding TAB certifications under their belts, O’Rourke and Stolber each found jobs at Enviro Aire Total Balance in St. Claire Shores, Mich., about 19 miles northeast of Detroit. Networking with instructors and fellow classmates helps in the job process following graduation, O’Rourke said.

“They gave me the basics of everything I do,” added O’Rourke, who has one more year of apprenticeship. “I’ve done a lot of learning on the job, and I’ve got a lot of learning to do, but they did a great job in my preparation. I try to encourage everybody to take classes. It’s not a quick fix. You may not find a job as soon as you graduate, but it’s something you’ll learn … and it looks good to potential employers.”

Unionized sheet metal workers in good standing can attend the TAB 120 course in Cleveland, St. Louis, Detroit and Southern California. Once participants finish the course, they will be given the opportunity to take the TAB technician written certification exam, which must be passed to move on to the hands-on performance portion. If all exam aspects are passed, participants can exit as a certified TAB technician.

“These are only two examples of how constant training and diversification can truly help sheet metal workers stay working,” said John Hamilton, chief operating officer of TABB (Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau). “Education will move any industry into the future, and it’s no different in sheet metal. These two men are examples of how dedication to your career and the ability to be flexible can really pay off.”

The next 120-hour TAB courses are set for Sept. 11 through Oct. 2 in St. Louis, and Oct. 9 through Oct. 30 in Southern California. The application deadlines are Sept. 1 and Sept. 29, respectively.

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in the United States and Canada. The ITI is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

For more information about ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

Top 12 detailers from around the country compete for grand prize

Sheet metal detailers vie for new truck during international competition in March

LAS VEGAS – The International Training Institute (ITI) recently announced 12 of the nation’s top detailers were selected to participate in the newly added detailing category at the Annual International Sheet Metal Competition March 6-10 in Las Vegas.

The detailing category, which allows certified apprentices and journeymen to compete for a new pickup truck, is new to the annual competition. This is the first year journeymen are allowed to compete in the annual competition; the detailer category is the only category in which journeymen will be allowed to take part.

Clyde Fujimoto, a project manager and detailer at Air Center, Inc. in Hawaii, is one of 12 of the nation’s top detailers participating in the competition.

“Talk about opportunities,” he said. “This is one of the most significant opportunities in my sheet metal career.”

The winner of the detailing category will drive away from Las Vegas in a fully loaded Dodge pickup truck provided by Towbin Dodge of Las Vegas.

Each of the 12 detailers is from a different state from across the nation, including Hawaii. They are Dan Beyersdorf, Saginaw, Mich.; Charles Dario, Howell, New Jersey; Steve Datwyler, Las Vegas; David Dias, San Ramon, Calif.; Jaymes Fleming, Woodinville, Wash.; Clyde Fujimoto, Honolulu; Randy Girard, Madison, Wis.; Joey Hovarter, Moore, Okla.; Ryan Israel, Kansas City, Mo.; Josh Menz, Rochester, N.Y.; Charles Wolff, San Antonio; and Jason Yager, Chicago.

“I have been drawing for almost 40 years, and to be a part of this contest experience is the highlight of my career,” said Dario, a CAD and drafting instructor with Sheet Metal Workers Local #27 and a sketcher for Thomas Sheet Metal in New Jersey. “The qualifying round was a bit more difficult than I expected. It was, however, not too far removed from the day-to-day type of scenario we are all accustomed to on the job.”

Hovarter, a draftsman at Matherly Mechanical Contractors LLC in Oklahoma, is a second-generation sheet metal worker and also shares the excitement with his uncle, who is also in the trade.

“Competition is a cool thing, and it’s the first time for a detailing competition, so being a part of it is a good thing,” he said. “I feel good being in the top 12. That was my only goal. I’m sure there will be some tough competition in the final.” 

For some, being in the top 12 brings recognition they don’t receive often and a chance to show everyone, including their families, what they can do.

“For all the time we spend doing this stuff and doing what we do, to be recognized is amazing,” said Girard, an instructor for Sheet Metal Workers Local #18 and CAD coordinator for Illingsworth-Kilgust Mechanical in Wisconsin. “I look forward to meeting the other 11 detailers in March. It’s going to be a different competition than all of us are used to as apprentices. It’s a second chance to come back and show everyone what we can do.”

Wolff, a project manager and detailer for L.C. Mosel/M&M Metals in San Antonio, is sharing his experience with his whole family.

“My kids are also very excited about this, and I hope they will learn that you can achieve things in life if you work for them and apply yourself,” he said.

The competition will take place at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino – located at 3700 W. Flamingo Road – as well as at the Sheet Metal Local #88’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Center – located in Las Vegas at 2540 Marco Street.

In addition to the detailing category open to apprentices and journeymen, apprentices will compete in five sheet metal disciplines including HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), industrial/welding, service, architectural and TAB (Test Adjust Balance in heating and air conditioning).

Hosted by the ITI, the contest will take place Monday and Tuesday, March 7 and 8, with the awards banquet Wednesday, March 9.

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in the United States and Canada. The ITI is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

For more information about the contest or ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.