International Training Institute 
for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry

The International Training Institute (ITI) is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker's International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA). We offer apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials including

• Instructor Manuals
• Student Textbooks and Workbooks
• Videos
• DVDs
• CD-ROMs
• Online training

Fast Facts

A Brief History

The training programs and materials offered by ITI are the result of an employee welfare benefit plan established on May 12, 1971 to fund the training and development of apprentices and workers in the sheet metal industry. ITI

• Provides and maintains training and retraining programs
• Conducts train-the-trainer programs
• Develops and distributes training materials designed to improve the quality of workmanship and productivity in the sheet metal industry
• Investigates, researches and monitors changing technology and specialty fields to meet the ever-evolving demands of a dynamic industry

Tuition:

Our courses, textbooks, videos, and other learning materials are offered free of charge to trainees. Our combination of classroom learning plus paid on-the-job training offers an outstanding opportunity for trainees to earn while they learn.

Number of dedicated training facilities:

United States: 160    Canada: 21

Our instructors:

All of our instructors are former sheet metal workers or are still actively involved in this trade either as workers, managers, or owners of their own company. They provide a wealth of hands-on, real world experience. ITI's train-the-trainer program is designed to ensure a high standard of quality across the training facilities.

Average class size:

Most classes average around 17 participants, creating a desirable instructor-student ratio. In general, basic instruction or overview courses average around 25 participants, but could, depending on the training facility, accommodate more.

Training facilities:

Our facilities provide hands-on-training in state-of-the art labs. Training facilities are located in both urban and rural areas.

Accreditation:

Our training centers are accredited by an independent acreditation board made up of members from Ivy Tech, Kansas State University, SMACNA and SMWIA.

Flexible learning:

Our courses are available in a variety of formats designed to accommodate today's apprentices and journeypersons and to facilitate continuing education. Apprentices mostly attend classes and labs and can also take online courses for college credit. Journeypersons can continue education with specialized area certifications or make career path changes. Our learning formats include

• Standard classroom format
• Distance learning
• Online learning

Student profile:

Our students work with a contractor while they attend classes and many typically remain with the same employer throughout their apprenticeship training.  They receive a combination of classroom and on-the-job training that enables them to progress in their chosen field. This combination offers students an outstanding opportunity to advance in their careers while they learn. And it helps ensure that the sheet metal industry has  well-trained and educated workers.