Sheet Metal Worker at Ace Sheetmetal Works Inc.

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Ace Sheetmetal Works Inc. in Norfolk, VA

About This Program

ACE Sheetmetal Works Inc. sponsors this registered sheet metal worker apprenticeship in Norfolk, VA. This non-union, employer-sponsored program provides hands-on trade training through direct employment with an established sheet metal contractor in the Hampton Roads area.

The five-year apprenticeship combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced sheet metal workers, learning to fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal systems including HVAC ductwork, exhaust systems, and custom fabrications. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, metal layout, welding, and workplace safety. Apprentices receive wages throughout the training program.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level sheet metal workers, ready for full employment in the construction and mechanical trades in the Norfolk region. The employer-based model gives apprentices direct, practical experience within ACE Sheetmetal Works' active project portfolio.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

640

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

How to Apply

Sheet Metal Worker Career Outlook

National Median

$26.33/hr

~$54,766.4/yr

Apprentice Start

$16/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Sheet metal worker employment is expected to grow steadily, driven by HVAC system demand in new construction and energy-efficiency retrofits. The transition to high-efficiency systems and commercial building upgrades creates ongoing need for skilled fabricators and installers. Workers with welding and CAD skills have the strongest prospects.

What to Expect as a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

Duration

5 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~32 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

640 hours of related technical instruction (~128 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$16.00/hr
Journeyman wage$26.33/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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