Question:
Where can I get trained to begin framing with steel?
Answer:
Currently there are very few training centers in the country that provide training for steel. Those that exist include:
- Orange Coast College: College courses in steel framing
Costa Mesa, CA 714-432-5582; www.occ.cccd.edu
- Ivy Tech Training Center
Steel framing training sessions
Gary, IN
219-981-4402; www.ivytech.edu
- USS-POSCO Training Facility
Two-week introductory course
Pittsburg, CA
800-877-7672; www.ussposco.com
- Southeast Wisconsin Carpentry Training Centers; www.sewctc.org
- Contractors Institute in Florida
Two-day training workshop
www.contractorsinstitute.com
Also, the Steel Framing Alliance has developed a Residential Steel Framing National Training Curriculum (NTC). The NTC is a standardized manual that provides clear, concise, step-by-step illustrated framing techniques and procedures for use by both experienced and novice framers. To get a copy of the NTC, email training@steelframingalliance.com. SFA also offers framer’s training programs called “STUD U.” These training sessions are typically two- or three-day, hands-on training programs that are held in conjunction with major trade shows such as Metalcon. Lastly, the carpenters union and its local chapters offer training on steel framing, although, it is geared mostly towards commercial applications.