Sheet Metal Worker at Area III Sheet Mtl/Hvac Env Sys JATC
at Area III Sheet Mtl/Hvac Env Sys JATC in Grants Pass, OR
About This Program
Area III Sheet Metal/HVAC Environmental Systems JATC in Grants Pass, Oregon sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship for the southern Oregon region. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it combines the resources of union contractors and the sheet metal workers' union to deliver high-quality, industry-recognized training.
The apprenticeship spans five years, with 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC system installation, and environmental systems work, while classroom sessions cover topics such as blueprint reading, applied mathematics, welding, airflow principles, and safety regulations.
Completing the program earns apprentices journeyman status as Sheet Metal Workers, opening doors to steady employment in construction and mechanical contracting. The union affiliation supports access to competitive wages, health benefits, and pension contributions throughout a journeyman career.
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.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Oregon
Sheet Metal Workers in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division, Mechanical Program.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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