Sheet Metal Worker at Columbia Sheet Metal

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Columbia Sheet Metal in North Windham, CT

About This Program

Columbia Sheet Metal sponsors a registered Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in North Windham, CT. This employer-sponsored, non-union program offers paid training in the sheet metal trade for those looking to start a hands-on career in eastern Connecticut.

The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct installation, and custom metal forming under the guidance of experienced tradespeople. Technical instruction includes coursework in blueprint reading, welding, applied math, and occupational health and safety.

Graduates achieve journey-level status as sheet metal workers prepared for work in commercial, industrial, and residential construction environments. The program offers a straightforward path into a skilled trade with no tuition debt — apprentices earn wages from the start and build expertise across five years of structured training.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

640

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$16.00/hr
Journeyman wage$26.33/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Connecticut

Sheet Metal Workers in Connecticut are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Trades Division.

View full Connecticutlicensing requirements →

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