Sheet Metal Worker at Consolidated Sheet Metal Local 1 Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Consolidated Sheet Metal Local 1 Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund in Morton, IL

About This Program

The Consolidated Sheet Metal Local 1 Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund sponsors a union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Morton, IL. This JATC-structured program offers apprentices in central Illinois a paid, union-backed pathway into the sheet metal trade, combining rigorous on-the-job experience with formal technical education.

The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop practical skills in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC ductwork design and installation, roofing systems, and architectural metalwork. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, applied geometry, welding techniques, and safety standards. Wages increase progressively at each stage of the apprenticeship.

Graduates earn journeyman status as Sheet Metal Workers and the advantages of Local 1 union membership, including negotiated wages, health and welfare benefits, and pension access. This is a comprehensive career launch for individuals seeking long-term stability in Illinois's construction and mechanical contracting trades.

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.

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

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

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