Sheet Metal Worker at Chas Sheet Mtl Jac
at Chas Sheet Mtl Jac in North Charleston, SC
About This Program
CHAS Sheet Metal JAC in North Charleston, South Carolina sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship for the Charleston metro region. As a Joint Apprenticeship Committee program, it is administered in cooperation with union contractors and sheet metal workers' union leadership, ensuring apprentices receive training that reflects current industry practices and standards.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work in the field fabricating and installing HVAC ductwork, architectural metal systems, and other sheet metal products used in commercial and industrial construction. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, pattern layout, welding, mechanical systems, and safety regulations.
Graduates earn journeyman Sheet Metal Worker status upon completing all program requirements. Union affiliation in North Charleston's growing construction market connects journeyman graduates to stable employment, competitive wages, and benefits — making this apprenticeship a strong foundation for a skilled trades career in the Lowcountry.
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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