Sheet Metal Worker at Capital District Sheetmetal Jac Lu #83
at Capital District Sheetmetal Jac Lu #83 in Clifton Park, NY
About This Program
The Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship offered by Capital District Sheetmetal JAC LU #83 is a union JATC program based in Clifton Park, NY. Jointly managed by labor and management, this program delivers structured, standardized training for apprentices entering the sheet metal trade in the Capital District region of New York.
The five-year program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation, roofing systems, and architectural sheet metal applications. Coursework covers blueprint reading, welding, applied math, and workplace safety. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, with wages that typically increase at regular intervals.
Graduates achieve journey-level status in the sheet metal trade and become full members of Local 83. Union membership provides access to negotiated wages, health and retirement benefits, and a network of signatory contractors across the Capital District and beyond, supporting a strong long-term career in the trade.
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
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