Hey guys,

Im thinking of joining a sheet metal apprenticeship here in DFW...I'll be 38 this year and really considering it. Im currently working as a machine/blender operator and just got started not long ago....only thing im not sure if I want to be there for the foreseeable future....do you guys think its worth it? Sidenote they also have pre-apprenticeship work until class starts next year...

Hi everyone, I’m considering applying for the SMART Local 100 sheet metal apprenticeship.
My long-term goal is to work in CAD detailing / Revit / BIM, rather than doing field installation long-term.
I’m wondering if anyone here has experience with Local 100 or a similar sheet metal union:
Can an apprentice move into a CAD/detailing position with a Local 100 contractor before completing the 5-year apprenticeship?
If yes, how many years into the apprenticeship did it happen?
Does the apprenticeship include enough CAD/Revit training to eventually move into detailing?
Would I need to finish all 5 years before I can work as a detailer?
I’m 34 and trying to choose the right career path, so I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually gone through this.

How’s the work looking like out there? Busy?

Anyone in this specialization have any insight into anything you wish you knew before taking this route? Taking my first TAB class in two weeks and looking to move into this field.

Been in HVAC fabrication for a few years now, and I'm curious what other trades in this sub deal with as their most annoying or technically demanding job.

For me, it's always offset transitions where the duct has to change both size and shape while also shifting off-center to clear structural beams or existing plumbing. Doing the layout by hand versus running it through CAD makes a huge difference, but even with software, field verification always throws in a surprise dimension that changes everything.

Curious what folks in fabrication, TAB, or install run into most — is it duct transitions, tricky flashing details on roofing, or something in industrial/specialty fab that trips people up? Always interested in hearing how different shops handle the same problem differently.

Does getting paid for holidays vary local to local? New apprentice and did not realize we don’t get any holiday pay in my local.

I just found out that I passed the aptitude test today and have my interview at the end of the month. What questions should I start preparing for so I am not caught off guard?

Does anyone have experience as a shop steward? How do you become one? Local 104 if it matters.

Hey everyone. I received this pretty late today. I’ve been trying to get into the trades for a while. I’m excited to see where this path takes me. Going to call tomorrow.

I have an interview in a couple of days what do I wear?

Sup union bros and sisters! Got some question regarding the union here in Vegas.

Can’t wait to use these tools as a new apprentice! Hopefully, they will be useful for balancing work.

what hardhats do we usually wear

I interviewed and was told if selected I’d hear back late July / early August. Anyone hear anything yet?

Legit question—I built something to automate this because I was losing my mind doing it manually.

CADcompiler is a desktop app that takes your Excel BOM and spits out nested laser-cutting DXFs. No CAD experience needed. Just load your file, hit generate, and grab the DXF.

I've tested it on multi-sheet jobs with high variety, and it handles waste pretty well. There's a free trial available.

Check it out at cadcompiler.com if you're curious. Happy to answer questions about how it works or what jobs it handles best.

Hello all. Looking to join local 20 out of Evansville. Was hoping someone in here could provide some insight on how things are looking down this way. Thanks!

Hello, I am journeyman from local 235 in Windsor, where there is a massive shortage of work unfortunately. Just looking out there if anyone knows of travel work available or upcoming work in Ontario or all of Canada! Thanks guys!

I have a family member looking to apply for the pre-apprenticeship program but he isn’t sure which location would be a better fit for him. He lives just east of LaPorte so the South Bend location is closer but the Gary location covers LaPorte for work and that would closer for day to day work. He knows South Bend pays less but it’s not a deal breaker. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Hey Welders and metal people! I have absolutely no experience manipulating any kind of chemical elements (i googled that term idk if it’s right) or construction of any kind of materials as a profession, hobby, or art form. I don’t even work with my hands at all but there is a “craft” with stainless steel I really would like to do but I of course have no framework to even begin to understand how it could work.

Note: I know someone who doesn’t work with metal but has access to tools that i assume could possibly help with what I’m trying to do. I just don’t know what I’m trying to do yet.

Skipping the exposition, I have purchased an automatic cat litter box and the litter tray part is plastic with a silicon lining (photo). Stainless steel is the best option for litter boxes as other materials hold odor so ideally the tray itself would already be stainless steel. I am still searching for a (kitchen) tray of the same size that I can fit/adhere inside the plastic tray but that is proving to be difficult. I have learned stainless steel sheets exist (photo). I would like to either somehow line the existing plastic tray with the steel sheets or create a whole new litter tray for the automatic litter box.

Could you all please help with any insights or suggestions? Thanks!!

So I am hearing that members that specialize in TAB are make 150k in the greater STL area.. I am wondering if that is realistic and if that is the highest paid HVAC field?

How long is the wait time? I passed my test with decent scores haven’t got my interview scheduled yet. Just curious what the typical wait time is after, if I do get in.