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The apprenticeship is an 8-week job program for Birmingham area high school students with talent and an interest in art. Apprentice artists work 30 hours/week at minimum wage under the guidance of professional artists and learn to make cast iron sculpture. They then use these skills to express their creativity in production of a line of high quality metal art—cast iron vessels, candle sconces, decorative wall pieces, etc.—as well as one-of-a-kind sculpture. The apprentices’ work is included in a public exhibition at summer’s end, then sold in the Sloss museum store and local galleries to support future apprentices. Applications are available from the Metal Arts office.

Summer Youth Apprenticeship
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for High School Students!

An Art Program:

  • Students work with professional artists and learn to create iron and steel sculpture cast, using all the basic metal-forming processes--casting, forging and welding
  • Students create a wide range of decorative art
  • Students collaborate on production of large-scale work
  • Students create their own works of art
  • Artwork is professionally photographed and made available for student portfolios
  • The program culminates in a public exhibition of the apprentices’ work.

A Job Program:

  • A real summer job for talented students
  • Apprentices work 8 weeks, 30 hours per week, and are paid minimum wage ($5.15/hr).
  • Requires a social security number and a commitment to attend all sessions
  • Requires a willingness to work hard

How to Apply in 2008:
Applicants must be 16 of older by the start of the program.

  1. Submit an Application Package. This includes a completed application form; two references from a teacher, administrator, or mentor; and slides, photographs or samples of your artwork. Mail to: Apprenticeship, Sloss Furnaces, 20 North 32nd Street, Birmingham, AL 35222. Deadline for applications is April 18.

  2. Introductory Workshop: Applicants are required to attend an introductory iron-casting workshop on May 3. The workshop is designed to give students an understanding of the processes used on the job and is part of the evaluation process leading to selection of apprentices.

  3. Interview: Finalists are interviewed in the week following the workshop. Final selection is based on evaluation of the application materials, work performance during the workshop, and interview. Students will be notified of selection/rejection the first week of May.




Download the Application:
SYA Application Download

Mail Application To: Metal Arts Sloss Furnaces Twenty 32nd Street North Birmingham, AL 35222


Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the work hours?

Workdays are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

How Much Will I Earn?
Apprentice Artists will be paid $6.15 per hour. You will not be paid for absences, tardiness, overtime, or missed days.

What Will Happen to the Work I Produce?
You will produce work in two categories: decorative art which is made to sell at Sloss to support the apprenticeship program, and individual projects in which you create your own work. All products from the first category are the property of Sloss. All products in the second category are the property of the apprentice artist.

What if I Want to Go on Vacation?
You will be allowed three excused absences. If you miss more than three days of work, you may not be able to come back for the rest of the summer.

Are There Program Rules?
Yes. You Can Be Fired Immediately If You...
  • physically or verbally abuse anyone
  • steal, destroy, or vandalize any property
  • use drugs or alcohol while on the job
  • carry a weapon onto the site
  • leave during working hours without a supervisor’s permission



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