Contractor Resources

The Contractor Resources page is intended to highlight resources that are available to you.  Click on a resource to learn more about how we can partner with you in that particular area.  If you have questions on anything you see or on things you would like to see please contact Dennis Boyd at (503)257-1022 Ext 225.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)BIM

The Sheet Metal Institute offers a dynamic Building Information Modeling (BIM) program.  While we know that not every Sheet Metal Worker will be a Detailer and of those that are not all will utilize the Industry designed Benchmark software our programs are designed to improve the skills and abilities of all who take them.  We are committed to training as many members as possible in the various components of the Detailing arena to raise the skills of all our members and thus the pool of skilled individuals for you to choose from in the area of detailing.  It is also our goal to raise the level of skills of our foreman by having them better understand 3-D drawings.  Someone who completes our program will be able to draw in any type of software, not just the Benchmark software.  They will just need to be taught the uniqueness to whatever software your company may be using.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Detailing - The Detailing Certification is a comprehensive test that measures an individual’s ability to “detail” or “draft” a project in today’s high tech construction industry. This certification was designed to give an owner confidence that the certified individual is highly skilled and qualified in the field of Detailing. The certification uses the ITI’s Benchmark Training Software as part of the test but will benefit detailers running any third party software. Upon successful completion of the certification test, the student will be allowed to download the ITI’s Benchmark Training Software and be licensed to activate its Drafting portion.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Fabrication - The Fabrication Certification measures an individual’s ability to use the Fabrication component ITI’s Benchmark Training Software to set up fabrication settings, create patterns, nest fittings, generate machine code, generate part labels and sheet reports, and set up machine configurations, as well as other components contained in the software. Upon successful completion of the certification test, the student will be allowed to download the ITI’s Benchmark Training Software and license to activate the Software's Fabrication portion.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Fitting Input - The Fitting Input Certification measures an individual’s ability to use the fitting input part of ITI’s Benchmark Training Software to input fittings into batches, create electronic batch files from the data, and create shop tickets from the data, as well as other components of the software. Upon successful completion of the certification test, the student will be allowed to download the fitting input portion of the ITI’s Benchmark Training Software and will be licensed to activate the fitting input portion of the software.

On Site Demonstrations - We are always happy to give our contractors a demonstration of the Benchmark Training Software and how it can benefit your company.  We can bring you out to our lab to see a demonstration or we can bring it to you.  Either way we are convinced you will be impressed with the capabilities of this software to date and to hear about all the changes coming to future versions.

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CertificationsCertifications

Certifications are a way to show competency in a particular skill or ability.  They also allow us to set ourselves apart from our non- union competition.  Following is a current list of Certifications we have to offer.  These certifications have assisted our contractors in securing work in all segments of the Sheet Metal industry.  It is our desire that your company will utilize this valuable resource.

Arial Work Platform (AWP) - We utilize Sunbelt and other organizations to perform this training for us.

Brazing - You must be certified in Brazing to work in the state of Oregon.  Systems installed in dwelling units regulated under the One and Two family Dwelling Specialty Code are exempt from this rule.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Detailing - The Detailing Certification is a comprehensive test that measures an individual’s ability to “detail” or “draft” a project in today’s high tech construction industry.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Fabrication - The Fabrication Certification measures an individual’s ability to use the Fabrication component ITI’s Benchmark Training Software to set up fabrication settings, create patterns, nest fittings, generate machine code, generate part labels and sheet reports, and set up machine configurations, as well as other components contained in the software.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Fitting Input - The Fitting Input Certification measures an individual’s ability to use the fitting input part of ITI’s Benchmark Training Software to input fittings into batches, create electronic batch files from the data, and create shop tickets from the data, as well as other components of the software.

CFC Type 1 - Certification is through the Universal Technical Institute.  It is a requirement that all persons handling refrigerants be certified per federal code.  To receive a Type 1 certification the student must pass the core test plus type 1.  Type 1 certification covers small appliances.

CFC Type 2 - Certification is through the Universal Technical Institute.  It is a requirement that all persons handling refrigerants be certified per federal code.  To receive a Type 2 certification the student must pass the core test plus type 2.  Type 2 certification covers high pressure refrigerants.

CFC Type 3 - Certification is through the Universal Technical Institute.  It is a requirement that all persons handling refrigerants be certified per federal code.  To receive a Type 3 certification the student must pass the core test plus type 3.  Type 3 certification covers low pressure refrigerants.

CFC Universal - Certification is through the Universal Technical Institute.  It is a requirement that all persons handling refrigerants be certified per federal code.  To receive a Universal certification the student must pass the core test plus type 1, type 2, and type 3.

CPR - Learn to care for conscious and unconscious victims, using cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Students receive a CPR certificate valid for two years issued by the American Red Cross.

Fire Life Safety Level 1 Technician - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  Level 1 competency in installation, inspection and maintenance of fire, smoke, combination fire/smoke dampers, and ceiling dampers in HVAC systems.

Fire Life Safety Level 2 Technician - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  Level 2 competency in controls, smoke management and stairway pressurization.  Must have attained HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 1 Certification and be working for a qualifed contractor.

Fire Life Safety Level 1 Supervisor - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI). The Level 1 Supervisor will oversee the inspections performed by Level 1Technicians.  Supervisors will be proficient in developing procedures needed to perform an inspection of a building's fire and smoke dampers, and explain the responsibilities before, during and after the inspection.

Fire Life Safety Level 2 Supervisor - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI). The Level 2 Supervisor will oversee the work of Level 2 Technicians.  Supervisors will be proficient in how to inspect, test and maintain smoke control and smoke management systems in a building.

First Aid - Learn how to recognize and respond to an emergency, and give care to help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. Classes teach you to identify and treat shock, control bleeding, care for a muscle, bone or joint injury, care for a head, neck or back injury stroke, and respond to diabetic emergencies, heat and cold related emergencies, poisoning and allergic reactions. Students receive a First Aid certificate valid for three years issued by the American Red Cross.

HVAC Mechanic - To qualify for the International Training Institute (iTi) HVAC Mechanic certification the member must have completed our Apprenticeship program, they must apply to our Executive Director, Dennis Boyd for a completion certificate.  He will handle the appropriate paperwork and verifications and request their certificate from the International Training Institute (iTi).

HVAC Technician - To qualify for the International Training Institute (iTi) HVAC Technician certification the member must do the following:

  • be an iTi certified HVAC Mechanic
  • possess a current CFC Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 or Universal card
  • Successfully complete the Industry Competency Exam (ICE) Residential CORE Test
  • Successfully complete the ICE Residential Heat Pump Test or Successfully complete the ICE Residential Air Conditioning test and one of the following; ICE Residential Air Distribution test, ICE Residential Gas Heating test, ICE Residential Oil Heating test.

HVAC Master Mechanic - To qualify for the International Training Institute (iTi) HVAC Master Mechanic certification the member must do the following:

  • be an iTi certified HVAC Mechanic
  • possess a current CFC Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 or Universal card
  • Successfully complete the NATE Core test (Service)
  • Successfully complete the NATE Heat Pump Specialty test (Service) or Successfully complete the NATE Air Conditioning test (Service) and one of the following; Air Distribution test, Gas Heating Specialty test, Oil Heating Specialty test.

Indoor Air Quality Technician - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  Certified techs will probably be the first to look inside HVAC systems and ducts, mechanical rooms, crawl spaces, outdoor air intakes and basements - making them the one of few people likely to identify indoor air quality (IAQ) problems that may be caused by the HVAC system.

Indoor Air Quality Supervisor - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) describes the condition of air inside of a building.  The condition of air is a combination of chemical, biological, and particulate matter, as well as temperature and humidity.  IAQ is important because it affects people's comfort, health and productivity.

LEED Green Associate - For professionals who support green building design, construction, and operations, the LEED Green Associate credential denotes basic knowledge of green building principles and practices and LEED.

OSHA 10 - OSHA 10 hour Construction course.  Student will receive an OSHA Outreach Training 10-Hour card issued through OSHA.

OSHA 30 - OSHA 30 hour Construction course.  Student will receive an OSHA Outreach Training 30-Hour card issued through OSHA.

Rigging - Effective February 8, 2011 OSHA requires all persons who perform Rigging to be a "qualified person" for the task they are performing.  Our training meets this requirement.  At the successful completion of the course the student will receive a qualification card and certificate issued through The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT).

Signaling - Effective February 8, 2011 OSHA requires employers to ensure that persons who perform Signaling qualified.  Our training meets this requirement.  At the successful completion of the course the student will receive a qualification card and certificate issued through The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT).

TABB Technician - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  A TABB certified technician understands HVAC system operations as no one else does.  By training and experience, these professionals are methodical diagnosticians and problem solvers, taking the vital signs- pressure, airflow, loads, checking diffusers, recording operational details and adjusting the system to meet its design intent.

TABB Supervisor - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  A TABB certified Supervisor ensures the HVAC specifications are met.

TABB Commissioning Supervisor - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  HVAC commissioning is the process of achieving, verifying and documenting the performance of a building's various systems to ensure they meet the specifications and needs of the owner and occupants.  HVAC commissioning professionals will be needed in increasing numbers in the years to come.

TABB Sound and Vibration Supervisor - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  When some air handlers "kick in", vibrations and loud noise can travel along ductwork to mixing boxes in the ceiling.  The sound and vibration professional is essential in creating a solution to this problem.

Total Building Energy Auditing Technician - Certification is through the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).  This two-part certification includes HVAC energy auditing and total building energy auditing.  Technicians demonstrate skills to collect and, if necessary, measure data which captures the energy performance of the HVAC system and the building.

Welding Certifications - We currently offer over 30 different Welding certifications.  They cover all types of processes and materials.  No matter what your need we probably have a weld certification for you, if not we will work with you to qualify a procedure, see Welding Resources for more information.

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Employee Training DatabaseDatabase

In an effort to better serve our contractors we have created a database that you can utilize to access your employees training records.  It will allow you to do the following:

  • View / Print current Welder Certification Log
  • View / Print all your employees Certifications (both current & expired)
  • View / Print all available Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

We can customize our database to allow you to track all relevant trainings and certifications for your organization.  For example you may want to track who all has went through your in house new employee orientation, we can track that for you.  You must call (503)257-1022 and request a username and password to access the database.

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Safety ResourcesSafety

We have many Resources for you in the area of Safety. All of our Full time instructors are OSHA 10 & OSHA 30Instructors.  Dennis Boyd, our Executive Director is on the SMACNA Safety Committee, and Instructor Kevin Roth works directly with a subcommittee of the SMACNA Safety Committee to coordinate our Integrated OSHA 30 training to make sure it is what the Industry is looking for. 

Whether your company has a full time Safety professional, or you are just looking to get some material for Tool Box Talks, we can be a resource to you.  Following is a list of items that  we have for your use (click on items for a description).

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Training Resources Training Resources

Contractor On Site Training - This course is designed to allow your company to offer in house training, utilizing all the curriculum we have available to us through the International Training Institute (iTi).  This is a 2 day course that is held in Las Vegas, NV.  Expenses covered include; travel, hotel, per diem, transportation to and from the training (wages and transportation to and from the airport are not covered). The objective of this class is to train qualified sheet metal workers to be able to deliver in house training classes on a specific subject. The program is two days in length. Day one will provide information on basic teaching skills and techniques for class preparation and delivery. Day two will cover the various curriculums, materials and resources available. Participant will be given instruction on how to use the instructor guide resources and assets for a particular topic. Upon completion of the program, the participant will receive a certificate identifying him/her as having attended the iTi On Site Training Course.

Customized Training Programs - We can create customized training program to assist you.  Sheet Metal is a very diverse Industry and we realize that no two contractors are exactly alike nor do they have the exact same needs.  If you are interested in specialized, customized training programs please give us a call to see how we may be able to assist you.

Online training courses - Currently we offer 3 online training courses through the International Training Institute (iTi).  Members can log in and take the courses on line at their own pace and will receive a certificate of completion when they finish.  For the Fire Life Safety course at the completion we can schedule them to take the certification test online at one of our facilities.  Currently the following courses are offered.

  • Fire Life Safety Level One Technician
  • Foreman Training
  • Supervisory Training

On Site Services  - We will bring the training to you.  In an effort to better serve individual contractors we can hold training sessions at your facilities or job sites.  We can and have held classes at contractor's facilities or on a job site for multiple contractors.  If you are interested in finding out more about this option please call us to discuss.

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Welding ResourcesWeld

Certifications - The Sheet Metal Institute offers dynamic welding programs meant to give our members and our contractors the competitive edge over the competition.  We offer welding certifications free of charge to all eligible members.  We currently offer 34 different weld certifications utilizing various processes and procedures.  We hold monthly certifications at our Portland campus, and quarterly certifications at our Springfield campus.  Besides these scheduled times we work with members and contractors to schedule certifications on an as needed basis. 

On Site Services - We currently partner with interested contractors to come to their facilities and perform re-certifications (required every 6-12 months depending on the certification).  This has been an effective way for our contractors to ensure that their employees are keeping their certifications current. 

Qualifying Procedures - If you have a project that requires a certification that we do not currently offer we will work with you to qualify the procedure.  If for some reason in your particular case qualifying a procedure does not make sense we will advise you in alternative options to meet your specific needs.  Just like any project, when it comes to qualifying procedures the more lead time we have the better chance we have of serving your needs.

Staff and Facilities - Our staff and campuses offer the following credentials;

Portland campus

  • American Welding Society (AWS) certified facility
  • Hartford Steam Boiler certified facility
  • Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) certified facility
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) on staff
  • Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) on staff

Springfield campus

  • American Welding Society (AWS) certified facility
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) on staff

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