HARMAR TWP, Allegheny County — When Tyler Kaufman, 20, of Chicora vacations in Orlando someday, he's going to see his handiwork.

Kaufman, a Butler County Vocational-Technical School student, is an apprentice with McKamish of Pittsburgh working on steel to be used in a new water park being constructed at Universal Studios.

“I weld it,” he said.

The black tubes are then checked by a certified welding inspector before being shipped to the job site in Orlando.

Kaufman, a 2014 Butler High School graduate, said he picked the vo-tech school because he was interested in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).

Along with the classes that were available, Kaufman wanted to pursue a career without getting into debt. The vo-tech does not charge students.

However, Kaufman pointed out students can transfer credits to the Butler County Community College if they choose to pursue an associate degree.

“It's a great program,” he said.

Kaufman pursued sheet metal work upon the recommendation of one his instructors, Eric Collins.

Collins said the apprenticeships set the students on the right track.

“These kids get a good start in life,” he said.

As part of the Sheet Metal Workers Union apprenticeship program, Kaufman ended up working at McKamish.

The five-year program is a paid internship. First year apprentices start at $15.08 an hour. Kaufman earns $16.75 in his second year.

Upon completion, the apprentice becomes a journeyman.

In addition to the on-the-job training, Kaufman learns about metal fabricating at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 12 training center in Harmar.

“There's so much to learn through the union, too,” he said.

Kaufman selected the sheet metal workers union out of all the available trades after meeting the Local 12 training coordinator, Keith Schettler of Evans City.

“I liked him instantly,” Kaufman said.

He cited Schettler's drive and positive reinforcement.

Schettler said someone learning a trade must have a passion for it and pride in their work.

“You have to be more focused, more driven,” he said. “When you're working, you have to make it part of you.”

Schettler said the union members and contractors fund the $1.2 million training program.

“It's a joint effort,” he said.

Kaufman is one of five Butler Vo-Tech students who are sheet metal apprentices.

Anthony Tumminello, 26, of Evans City is another apprentice, working with SSM Industries at Neville Island in Allegheny County.

Tumminello, a 2007 graduate of Seneca Valley High School, heard about the vo-tech through a friend.

“It sounded like a good opportunity,” he said.

Tumminello said he's glad he chose the metal fabricating career path. “I love it,” he said. “I really enjoy it.”

Tumminello is fabricating ductwork for MGM hotels in Washington, D.C.

Apprentice Zach Lawson, 21, of Center Township is working on Google's new office at Bakery Square in Pittsburgh's East End.

Lawson also is appreciative of the apprentice program.

“It gets us on a good future,” he said.

Apprentice Jake Prelec, 19, of Portersville is working for EnviroAir on ductwork for a new Chick-fil-A store at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Prelec agreed the vo-tech benefits students by not charging tuition.

“It definitely helps out,” he said.

Ian Young, 20, of Oakland Township also is working on the McKamish piping for Universal Studios.

Young said it would be good to see his work at Universal someday.

“It'll really be cool,” he said.

Kaufman agreed.

“I'm definitely going to visit there,” he said.