Trade careers are becoming increasingly popular among graduates, and for good reason. Industries like sheet metal fabrication and welding offer good pay, strong job growth, and a relatively quick path to a reliable career.

Topics: Apprenticeships, Industry

Most people believe that a college education is necessary for a stable career. An undergraduate degree is the key to success for most parents, teachers, and future bosses . A master's degree or doctorate is even better.

Topics: Education, Apprenticeships

Bill Esarey grew up in the Cleveland area with sheet metal in his blood. His father spent more than 50 years in the industry as a sheet metal worker and small-scale contractor.

Topics: Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships, Industry

No matter where you are looking to find an apprenticeship, whether it is at the Frederick County Public Schools Career and Technology Center (CTE) or with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program, skilled trade experts are going to ask you a few basic (and some tricky) interview questions. From your experience in sheet metal fabrication to how you handle stress and authority, make sure you have well-thought-out answers ready using Kaempf & Harris’ list of top inquiries for a sheet metal apprenticeship:

Topics: Education, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships

Many people use fabricating and welding as interchangeable verbs, but that’s not quite the case. In its most basic sense, fabrication is the process of creating a project out of metal, and welding can be a singular operation during that process. 

Topics: Welding, Tools & Techniques, Metals, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships

Did you know that fabricated metals are the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry when measured by employment? Our industry is also growing when it comes to production rate, revenue, projects, and shipments. Take a look at our complete list of recent sheet metal fabrication stats:

Topics: Metals, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships, Industry

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects skilled trade careers to increase faster than the national average this year. If that’s the case, why do most parents, educators, and guidance counselors avoid talking about trade careers as a viable option for students after high school?

Topics: Education, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships

Local apprenticeships are a great way to begin your resume as a skilled trade worker. They come with weekly classes to cover the basics of your preferred trade and on-the-job training for hands-on experience. Skilled trade apprenticeships are a chance for students to earn while they learn, gaining education and experience. If you’re interested in local apprenticeships, here’s a helpful guide to opportunities near you: 

Topics: Education, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships

A well-prepared sheet metal fabrication apprentice has all of the top tools of the trade ready to go. Their backpack should come with a 4 ½–inch angle grinder, various grinder disks, wire cutters, an auto-darkening helmet, welding glasses, a pair of combination wrenches, wire brushes, gloves, a jacket, and a chipping hammer -- or so some apprenticeships think. 

Topics: Education, Welding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Apprenticeships