Sheet Metal Worker at Cedar Rapids Sheet Metal JATC Local Union 263
at Cedar Rapids Sheet Metal JATC Local Union 263 in Cedar Rapids, IA
About This Program
The Cedar Rapids Sheet Metal JATC Local Union 263 sponsors a union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Cedar Rapids, IA. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program offers a structured, union-backed pathway into the sheet metal trade, with apprentices earning wages and benefits from the start of training.
The five-year program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC ductwork, roofing and architectural metal applications, and precision layout. Classroom training covers blueprint reading, applied math, welding, and safety standards — all tied directly to real-world trade work. Wages increase at regular intervals as skills and experience grow.
Graduates complete the program as journeyman Sheet Metal Workers and benefit from union membership, which provides access to negotiated wages, health coverage, and retirement benefits — making this one of the most comprehensive apprenticeship options in the Cedar Rapids area.
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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