Sheet Metal Institute

What Sheet Metal Institute does

The Sheet Metal Institute (SMI) is a non-profit union apprenticeship training center founded in 1973 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, operating jointly under SMART Local 16 (labor) and SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington (contractors). It delivers a State-Registered 5-year apprenticeship combining 1,000 hours of classroom/lab instruction with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training across two campuses: a 45,000 sq ft Portland facility (2379 NE 178th Ave) opened in 1995 and expanded in 2001, and a state-of-the-art Springfield campus (1887 Laura Street) opened January 2011 after purchase in October 2009. The curriculum covers HVAC, architectural sheet metal, industrial fabrication, welding, detailing, BIM, and service systems, with AWS-accredited testing facility credentials covering GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, Brazing, and Laser Welding processes. The organization has approximately 300+ apprentices enrolled at any given time, producing roughly 75 journeypersons per year, and is supported by 11 full-time and 1 part-time instructors collectively holding 200+ years of hands-on trade experience and 40+ years of teaching excellence.

SMI's business model is a member-funded non-profit: tuition is fully free for apprentices, who instead earn wages starting at $26.81/hour in Year 1 and progressing to $48.22/hour by Year 5 (reaching ~$149,720 in total annual compensation including benefits), with biannual raises and full family medical insurance plus retirement benefits. Funding flows from union member contributions and 90+ signatory SMACNA contractors who employ apprentices on real jobsites. Apprentice selection operates through a ranked "Pool of Eligibles" point-based system (testing, interviews, documentation), with graduates receiving a journey card recognized by every SMART local union in North America and, since 2018 (retroactively), an automatic Associate of Applied Science Degree via Mt. Hood Community College partnership - one of the first such pathways in the nation for a union apprenticeship center. Service offerings extend to AWS welding certification, continuing education, ITI Online classes, and youth outreach including the Heavy Metal Summer Experience camp. SMI is governed as a tripartite partnership between labor (SMART Local 16), employers (SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington), and education (Mt. Hood CC, Portland Community College), operating within a geographic scope of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Name

Sheet Metal Institute

Legal name

Sheet Metal Institute

Website

https://sheetmetalinstitute.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Sheet Metal Institute is a non-profit union training center founded in 1973 that runs a free 5-year sheet metal apprenticeship across two Oregon campuses (Portland and Springfield), serving ~300 apprentices at a time and producing ~75 journeypersons annually for 90+ SMACNA contractors in Oregon and SW Washington.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Apprenticeship Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Sheet Metal Fabrication & Light-Gauge Metalwork Training (EDAOADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arc Welding (SMAW/GMAW/FCAW/GTAW) Training (EDAOADAA), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE), Metallurgy, Welding Processes & Materials Science for Welders (EDAOADAJ)

Keywords

• Union apprenticeship training
• Sheet metal trades
• HVAC career training
• Welding certification programs
• Workforce development services

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Training Services: As a non-profit union training center, SMI is funded through member contributions from SMART Local 16 and SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors. The apprenticeship is completely free for apprentices — tuition is covered by the training center, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn without accumulating student debt.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Sheet Metal Institute is a non-profit union apprenticeship training center that delivers two State-Registered five-year apprenticeship programs (Sheet Metal Worker and Service Systems Technician) combining 1,000 hours of classroom/lab instruction with 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices earn wages while learning at no tuition cost, progressing through specialized career tracks (HVAC, architectural, industrial, welding, detailing/BIM, testing & balancing), and earn an AWS-recognized journey card and a debt-free Associate of Applied Science Degree upon completion. The institute is jointly funded by SMART Local 16 union members and SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors and serves as the regional pipeline of skilled sheet metal labor.

Product overview

The Sheet Metal Institute operates as a non-profit union training center offering two State-Registered apprenticeship programs: Sheet Metal Worker and Service Systems Technician. The core 5-year apprenticeship combines 1,000 hours of classroom instruction with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices progress through specialized career tracks including Architectural, Commercial HVAC, Industrial, Residential HVAC, Detailing (BIM), and Testing/Adjusting/Balancing. Upon completion, graduates receive journey cards recognized by SMART unions across North America and are eligible for an Associate of Applied Science Degree through Mt. Hood Community College. The institute also provides AWS accredited welding certification, continuing education, ITI Online classes, and outreach programs like the Heavy Metal Summer Experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship A 5-year State-Registered apprenticeship combining 1,000 hours of classroom/lab instruction with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training for aspiring sheet metal workers, leading to a SMART-recognized journey card. Tuition is fully covered by the union and contractor contributions; apprentices earn wages while learning.
• Service Systems Technician Apprenticeship A 5-year apprenticeship focused on HVAC service and maintenance skills, including troubleshooting, electrical troubleshooting, and system evaluation. Prepares apprentices for service technician roles.
• Associate of Applied Science Degree Pathway An Associate of Applied Science Degree offered in partnership with Mt. Hood Community College that graduates of the 5-year SMI apprenticeship can automatically earn, with retroactive eligibility for 2018 graduates onward. One of the first union apprenticeship training centers in the nation to offer this benefit.
• AWS Accredited Welding Certification American Welding Society accredited testing facility providing certification to members for all AWS, ASME, and API codes. Training covers GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, Brazing, and Laser Welding processes, delivered by six Certified Welding Instructors.
• ITI Online Continuing Education Online continuing education classes for sheet metal workers, providing flexible learning options beyond the core apprenticeship curriculum, hosted at sheetmetal-iti.org.
• Continuing Education Classes Scheduled in-person continuing-education classes for journeypersons and apprentices to update skills and learn new techniques, published on the SMI website.
• Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) Outreach Camp A 501(c)(3) outreach program that exposes high school students to sheet metal, piping, and plumbing trades through immersive hands-on camps. SMI hosts students for hands-on projects at its campuses.

Quantifiable outcome

• Year 5 total annual earnings reach $149,720 ($96,440 taxable + $53,280 benefits)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Milwaukee ToolminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Sponsor of 2026 Northwest Regional Council Apprentice Competition at SMI's Portland campus. Provides prize packages for competition winners.
• DeWALTminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Sponsor of 2026 Northwest Regional Council Apprentice Competition at SMI's Portland campus. Provides prize packages for competition winners.
• Second Story Marketing GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Provides photography services for apprentice competitions and creates marketing materials for SMI. Listed as site creator on SMI website.
• Helmets to Hard HatsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 May 2025National nonprofit connecting military personnel to careers in construction. Provided cornhole game for 2025 Northwest Regional Apprentice Competition. Supports transition of veterans to skilled trades.
• DEWALTminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 November 2024Awarded SMI the Grow the Trades Grant as one of 166 organizations recognized for efforts to close the trades skills gap. Part of DEWALT's $30 million, 5-year commitment. Grant equips students with additional tools and materials to enhance apprenticeship education. Provides prize packages for apprentice competitions.
• Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2024501(c)(3) organization running immersive camps to expose high school students to sheet metal, piping, and plumbing trades. SMI participated in HMSE July 29 – August 2, 2024. 10 students spent a full day at SMI engaging in hands-on projects. Over 600 high school students projected to participate in similar camps nationwide in 2024.
• NECA/IBEW Local 48minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2024Partnered with SMI during Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) week-long camp. NECA/IBEW Local 48 participated alongside SMI in exposing high school students to trades careers.
• UA Local 290 COMSATminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2024Partnered with SMI during Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) week-long camp. UA Local 290 COMSAT participated alongside SMI in exposing high school students to trades careers.
• SMACNAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 July 2024National organization sponsor of Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) event, contributing to outreach efforts for trades careers.
• McKinstryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 July 2024Sponsor of Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) event, contributing to outreach efforts for trades careers and apprenticeship awareness.
• Red Wing ShoesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 July 2024Sponsor of Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). Participants received $175 Red Wing Shoes vouchers as recognition for completing the camp.
• Milwaukee ToolminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 July 2024Sponsor of Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). Participants received $500 worth of Milwaukee Tool products to continue exploring trades. Also provides prize packages for apprentice competitions.
• Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovative partnership allowing SMI graduates to automatically earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree upon completing the 5-year apprenticeship program. One of the first union apprenticeship training centers in the nation to offer this benefit. Retroactive to graduates from 2018 onward. Graduates apply through MHCC's online portal to receive their diploma.
• SMART Local 16coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union Local 16 is the trade union representing sheet metal workers. All SMI apprentices are members of Local 16. The union provides workforce representation while SMI provides training. Ben Wood (Training Coordinator) and Dustin (organizer) work together on outreach to high schools, community colleges, and CTE programs.
• SMACNA Oregon & SW WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association represents contractors who employ SMI apprentices and journeypersons. 90+ contractors in the region hire SMI apprentices. SMI, SMART Local 16, and SMACNA work together to ensure a well-trained, highly skilled, and certified sheet metal workforce.
• Portland Community College (PCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership including PCC Career Pathways and STEP programs. SMI regularly participates in welding cohorts, on-site presentations at Swan Island, and direct hiring of students into apprenticeships. Story published by PCC highlighting SMI and SMART Local 16's workforce development model.
• Oregon TradeswomenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing outreach and support for women entering the trades. SMI collaborates on classroom presentations, career fairs, and recruitment efforts to attract diverse candidates.
• Constructing HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPortland-based pre-apprenticeship program. SMI collaborates on outreach, providing pathway for Constructing Hope graduates to enter the sheet metal apprenticeship program.
• Portland YouthBuildersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth employment and training organization. SMI collaborates on outreach, providing pathway for Portland YouthBuilders participants to enter the sheet metal apprenticeship program.
• Oregon Corrections EnterprisesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency providing employment programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. SMI collaborates on outreach to help individuals transition from incarceration to skilled trades careers.
• Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with MHCC enables SMI graduates to earn Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students use MHCC student ID and online portal to apply for graduation. Email [email protected] for inquiries.
• Sheet Metal Industry InstitutesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichael Harris, Executive Director of Sheet Metal Industry Institutes, attended 2025 regional apprentice competition and expressed support for SMI's training programs.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SMART Local 16 (Sheet Metal Workers): The parent labor union that partners with SMI to fund and place apprentices. While not a training center itself, Local 16 governs apprentice membership and works directly with contractors that employ SMI graduates.
• SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington: The contractor association that funds SMI and employs its graduates. Represents 90+ regional contractors that hire SMI apprentices, directly determining demand for SMI's training output.
• International Training Institute (ITI) for the Sheet Metal Industry: The national training arm of the unionized sheet metal industry, which already provides ITI Online classes that SMI links to. Operates at a national level, providing curriculum standards, instructor certification, and online continuing education to local JATCs like SMI.
• SMART Local 104 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee: San Francisco Bay Area sheet metal union apprenticeship program jointly operated by SMART Local 104 and SMACNA contractors. Operates the same 5-year apprenticeship model with AWS testing and union placement, serving as the closest structural peer in a different geography.

Others

• Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship: Portland-based pre-apprenticeship program that feeds graduates into SMI's sheet metal apprenticeship. Functions as a feeder pipeline for diverse candidates seeking to enter union trades.
• Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE): 501(c)(3) youth outreach organization that runs immersive trades camps for high school students, with SMI as a host site and partner. Acts as a top-of-funnel recruiting channel for SMI's apprenticeship program.

Regional players

• IBEW/NECA Local 48 Electrical Apprenticeship: Portland-area electrical union apprenticeship partner (NECA/IBEW Local 48) that participated alongside SMI in the Heavy Metal Summer Experience. Operates an analogous 5-year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship in a complementary trade.
• UA Local 290 Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship: Portland-area plumbing and pipefitting union apprenticeship (UA Local 290 COMSAT) that partnered with SMI for the Heavy Metal Summer Experience. Operates a comparable multi-year apprenticeship in a related mechanical construction trade.

Emerging players

• Portland Community College Trade & Technical Programs: Regional community college partner of SMI that runs welding cohorts and Career Pathways programs. Offers shorter, lower-cost credentials in welding and trades that compete for the same career-changer demographic as SMI's apprenticeship.

Broad incumbents

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): National non-profit that develops standardized construction craft training curricula and credentials used across the industry. Provides curriculum frameworks that compete with or complement union-specific training programs like SMI's.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6XnZWgHDmVnAqei-ehuNmg
• Facebookfacebook.com/SheetMetalInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sheetmetalinstitute
• Instagraminstagram.com/sheetmetalinstitute

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sheet Metal Institute