The Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) is a state-approved apprenticeship training program covering all of the NE Washington, SE Washington, NE Oregon, Nothern Idaho, and Southern Idaho regions.

The JATC is a registered non-profit joint labor-management training trust between the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #55 and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). We currently have approved training programs in four occupations: sheet metal worker, HVAC service technician, HVAC testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technician and residential sheet metal worker.

The sheet metal worker, HVAC service technician, HVAC TAB technician programs are 5 years in length with 9000 hours of on-the-job training. Sheet metal worker and HVAC service technician apprentices attend 200 hours per year of related supplemental instruction classes while HVAC TAB technician apprentices attend 160 hours per year of related supplemental instruction classes at our training centers.

The residential sheet metal worker program is 3 years in length with 5400 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours a year of related supplemental instruction.

All active apprentices are registered with the Washington, Oregon, or Idaho State Department of Labor and Industries and are being trained by the JATC in one of the occupations listed above.

Full-time day classes are held 40 hours a week in our Tri-cities/Pasco, Spokane, and Boise training centers for sheet metal worker, HVAC service technician, HVAC TAB technician apprentices. Residential sheet metal apprentices attend their related supplemental training classes in the evening.

In addition to our apprenticeship training classes, the Sheet Metal Institute JATC offers evening and Saturday Continuing Education classes for apprentices and journeymen to keep all the members of SMART Local 55 up to date on their skills and abilities in the sheet metal industry.