Course curriculum

    1. Course Overview

    2. Course Learning Outcomes

    1. Overview of the Fabrication Shop

    2. The Role of Fabrication in Ductwork Systems

    3. Material Types

    4. Fabrication Shop Safety Protocols

    5. Module 1 Quiz

    1. Fabrication Cutting Tools

    2. Bending & Forming Tools

    3. Joining & Fastening Techniques

    4. Automation & CNC Technology in Fabrication

    5. The Sheet Metal Coil Line

    6. The Spiral Machine

    7. Fabricating Oval Ductwork

    8. Module 2 Quiz

    1. Detailing & Shop Drawings

    2. Module 3 Quiz

    1. SMACNA & Industry Standards

    2. Quality Control

    3. Common Defects & How to Aviod Them

    4. Module 4 Quiz

    1. Cost Estimation for Fabricated Sheet Metal

    2. Material Procurement & Inventory Management

    3. Efficiency in Fabrication Shop

    4. In-House Fabrication vs Subcontracting

    5. How to Calculate Shop Overhead & Burden

    6. Module 5 Quiz

About this course

  • $195.00
  • 33 lessons
  • 3.5 hours of video content

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What's Included?

  • 📘 Estimator-Focused Video Lessons

    Clear, structured video lessons explaining how HVAC sheet metal fabrication methods, shop productivity, and labor burden impact estimating assumptions, labor hours, and pricing decisions.

  • 🧮 Shop Overhead & Labor Burden Calculator

    A downloadable calculator designed for estimators to better understand how shop overhead and labor burden influence labor rates and fabricated ductwork costs.

  • 🏗️ Real-World Fabrication Context

    Practical examples and explanations that help estimators interpret shop conditions, fabrication workflows, and productivity differences—without requiring shop experience.

FAQ

  • Who is this course designed for?

    This course is designed primarily for HVAC estimators, as well as project managers, preconstruction staff, engineers, and anyone involved in pricing or evaluating sheet metal scope. It is especially valuable for estimators who do not work directly in the shop but need to understand how fabrication methods and productivity impact labor hours and cost.

  • Is this course intended for shop foremen or fabrication supervisors?

    While shop personnel may benefit, this course is not an operations or shop management course. The focus is on helping estimators understand fabrication processes so they can produce more accurate labor hours, pricing, and bids.

  • Do I need prior shop or fabrication experience to take this course?

    No. The course is specifically structured to explain fabrication concepts from an estimator’s perspective, making it accessible even if you have never worked in a sheet metal shop.

  • Does this course teach how to physically fabricate ductwork?

    No. This course does not provide hands-on fabrication training. Instead, it explains how fabrication methods, equipment, and workflows influence productivity, labor burden, and estimating assumptions.

  • How does this course help improve my estimates?

    You will learn how different fabrication approaches affect: Labor hours Shop productivity assumptions Overhead and labor burden allocation Risk in labor pricing This knowledge helps reduce guesswork and improves estimate defensibility and accuracy.

  • What is the Shop Overhead & Labor Burden Calculator?

    The calculator is a downloadable tool designed to help estimators: Understand how shop overhead impacts labor rates Apply labor burden correctly to shop-fabricated work Make more informed labor and cost assumptions in estimates It is intended for estimating and cost evaluation, not payroll processing.

  • Is the calculator required to complete the course?

    No. The calculator is a bonus resource that reinforces the concepts taught in the course. The course can be completed without it, but most estimators find it useful for real-world application.

  • Does this course provide certification or continuing education credits?

    This course does not provide state licensing or continuing education credits. It is a professional development course focused on improving estimating competency.

  • Is this course specific to union or non-union shops?

    The concepts taught apply to both union and non-union environments. While labor structures may differ, the underlying principles of fabrication productivity and overhead impact remain the same.