Axiom’s goal was to ensure that program graduates would attain the knowledge and skills of both traditional and modern sheet metal workers to support the installation of high-performance enclosure systems from the sheathing out.
Customized Training for the “Axiom Way”
Our multidisciplinary team tapped the experience and skills of over 50 contributors across seven RDH offices to develop a custom four-year program. This program goes beyond the “what” and educates Axiom ASM workers on the “why” behind common building enclosure design principles.
To determine the program’s learning objectives and specific requirements, we worked closely with the Axiom team and key site foremen. We customized the program to address the training needs of Axiom employees, focusing on safety, hands-on technical skills, and administrative knowledge. These elements were designed to help workers gradually develop their expertise over four years within the ASM trade. Aspects of Axiom culture that define the “Axiom way” were woven throughout the program, including best practices, preferred installation methods, and tips and tricks.
During a period spanning 14 months, our team designed the program curriculum and created four digital coursebooks for both instructors and trainees as well as examination packages that support a total of 900 instructional hours (225 hours annually). Upon completion, the program materials comprised more than 2,000 pages of training references, including technical documents, illustrations, photographs, installation sequences, and videos. Activities and learner assessments, such as quizzes and examinations, ensure the content is easily understood and user-friendly.
After completing the program development in 2019, we delivered a one-day Train-the-Trainer event to the Axiom instructors who would deliver the program to Axiom trainees for years to come.
Program Design Leads to Federal Recognition
Our team developed this program to enhance ASM installers’ comprehensive understanding of high-performance building enclosure design. Graduates gain the expertise needed to implement lasting building enclosure performance and achieve quality control results with reduced safety risks, rework, and material waste, all while maintaining the traditional craftsmanship of architectural sheet metal work.
As a result, in 2020, the Axiom program became the first federally recognized architectural sheet metal apprenticeship program in the US
