Sheet Metal Worker at El Paso/Southern New Mexico Sheetmetal Workers
at El Paso/Southern New Mexico Sheetmetal Workers in Albuquerque, NM
About This Program
El Paso/Southern New Mexico Sheetmetal Workers sponsors a five-year registered apprenticeship program administered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This employer-sponsored program provides paid, structured training for individuals entering the sheet metal trade in the Southwest region.
The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation, architectural and industrial sheet metal systems, roofing and flashing, welding, and precision layout. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, applied math, safety regulations, and trade-specific technical content.
Graduates earn journeyman sheet metal worker status, a recognized credential that supports employment across construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors in New Mexico and West Texas. The apprenticeship offers a direct, debt-free path to a skilled trade career with strong long-term demand throughout the region.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in New Mexico
Sheet Metal Workers in New Mexico are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division.
View full New Mexicolicensing requirements →Reviews
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