Sheet Metal Worker at Advantage Sheet Metal (ABC)
at Advantage Sheet Metal (ABC) in Dubuque, IA
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
640
Duration
5 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
About This Program
Advantage Sheet Metal (ABC) sponsors a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship program in Dubuque, IA. Affiliated with the Associated Builders and Contractors, this non-union, employer-sponsored program gives motivated individuals a paid, structured path into one of the construction industry's most versatile skilled trades.
Over five years, apprentices log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 640 hours of related technical instruction. Day-to-day work includes sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct layout and installation, architectural metal applications, and roofing systems. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, trade math, welding techniques, and safety standards — all directly tied to tasks performed in the field.
Completing the program earns apprentices journey-level status as Sheet Metal Workers. With a recognized credential and thousands of hours of real-world experience, graduates are well-positioned for long-term employment in Dubuque's construction and mechanical contracting industry.
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
Trade School
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