Sheet Metal Worker at Central Mn Sheetmetal Jac
at Central Mn Sheetmetal Jac in St Cloud, MN
About This Program
Central Minnesota Sheet Metal JAC, located in St. Cloud, MN, sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship through its Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Serving central Minnesota and the greater St. Cloud area, this program offers apprentices a union-backed, earn-while-you-learn path into a skilled and in-demand construction trade.
The 5-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeyworkers on commercial and industrial job sites, learning to fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal systems including HVAC ductwork, ventilation equipment, roofing, and custom architectural metalwork. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, trade mathematics, welding, sheet metal layout techniques, and occupational safety standards.
Graduating apprentices earn journeyworker status with the Central Minnesota Sheet Metal JAC — a union credential that supports employment with signatory contractors throughout the region and across Minnesota. Union journeyworkers in the sheet metal trade benefit from competitive wages, health benefits, and retirement security.
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
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 Minnesota
Sheet Metal Workers in Minnesota are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
View full Minnesotalicensing requirements →Reviews
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