Sheet Metal Worker at Alpha Sheet Metal Works, Inc.
at Alpha Sheet Metal Works, Inc. in Ladson, SC
About This Program
Alpha Sheet Metal Works, Inc. in Ladson, South Carolina sponsors this employer-based Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship. This non-union program offers a five-year, paid training pathway for individuals in the greater Charleston area who want to enter the sheet metal trade under the guidance of an established local contractor.
The apprenticeship consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work directly on projects with experienced sheet metal tradespeople, developing skills in metal fabrication, HVAC duct system installation, precision forming, and the use of industry-standard tools. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, welding, layout and pattern development, material properties, and safety practices.
Completing the program qualifies apprentices as sheet metal workers ready for journeyman-level roles in commercial and industrial construction. Alpha Sheet Metal Works, Inc. provides a stable, hands-on learning environment within an active fabrication and installation operation, giving apprentices consistent on-the-job experience throughout their training.
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.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.