Copper Development Association classes ready members for the future 

Nineteen members participated in a two-day Copper Development Association (CDA) training class and a single-day ITI Procedure and Performance training/testing class Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in St. Louis in a concentrated effort to continue education and stay ahead of trending markets. 
The CDA’s Soldering Techniques/Methods and Soldering Flat Seam Copper Metal Roof Installation Training provided members with technical knowledge and hands-on skills essential to soldering. It also allowed locals, contractors and industry partners to develop the standards used to qualify SMART members to do the work. Class topics included understanding requirements for soldering to American Welding Society (AWS) B2.3:2018 Specification for Soldering Procedure Performance Qualification Testing. 
“First and foremost, it’s about training and education,” said Dan McCallum, ITI field representative. “Second, it’s more of a quality assurance program that the individuals doing this work are trained and certified. Otherwise, what do you know about the person completing the task? You don’t.” 
A welding procedure specification (WPS) is a document that serves as a guide for the effective creation of a weld that meets all applicable code requirements and production needs. A performance qualification shows whether a welder possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the specifications of a particular WPS. 
During the class, one soldering procedure specification, Horizontal Flow, as well as two performance qualification tests (SPS #536-23/P and SPS #529-213/Cu) were submitted and qualified. All 19 participants passed/qualified on the available procedures and soldering positions. During the testing, two signatory contractors to St. Louis’ Local 36 witnessed the qualifications by employees of their respective companies. 
SMART, its contracting partners and ITI work together to assure members are the first to be trained and qualified to complete the work. The ITI facilitates the test while SMART contractor partners develop the procedure, allowing formal recognized training and the ability to develop procedures and facilitate the test. 
For additional information on this class and others, visit the ITI’s website course catalog at https://www.sheetmetal-iti.org/course-catalog.