Pre-Apprenticeship

The SMART Heroes program provides a stepping stone for veterans to find a lifelong career in the unionized sheet metal industry. Once they graduate from SMART Heroes, they can qualify as a second-year apprentice at one of 148 training centers across the country.

A union sheet metal worker is a skilled professional who specializes in the fabrication and installation of products made from thin metal sheets. They work in various settings, including industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional construction sites, as well as in industrial plants and the electrical power systems sector. Their work involves a range of tasks such as shearing, forming, fabricating, welding, soldering, and assembling items made from materials like galvanized steel, iron, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and sometimes plastic. Union sheet metal workers are known for their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to work in diverse environments.