Sheet Metal Worker at Cooper Electric & Sheet Metal Co.
at Cooper Electric & Sheet Metal Co. in Union City, TN
About This Program
Cooper Electric & Sheet Metal Co. sponsors this registered sheet metal worker apprenticeship in Union City, TN. This is a non-union, employer-sponsored program offering hands-on trade training in a real-world work environment.
The program spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in cutting, forming, and installing sheet metal systems — including HVAC ductwork, ventilation systems, and custom fabrications. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, safety practices, welding techniques, and sheet metal layout. Apprentices earn a paycheck from day one of the program.
Graduates complete the apprenticeship as qualified journey-level sheet metal workers, prepared to take on skilled positions in the construction and mechanical industries. This program offers a practical, employer-connected pathway into a stable and in-demand trade career.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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