Sheet Metal Worker at Kentucky Sheet Metal JATC
at Kentucky Sheet Metal JATC in Louisville, KY
About This Program
The Kentucky Sheet Metal JATC sponsors a union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Louisville, KY. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program is a leading pathway into the sheet metal trade in the state, offering union membership, structured paid training, and a five-year curriculum designed to produce highly skilled journeyman tradespeople.
Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction over the course of the program. Field training covers sheet metal fabrication, commercial and industrial HVAC ductwork, roofing, and architectural metalwork. Classroom instruction addresses blueprint reading, applied math, welding techniques, and safety standards. Progressive wage increases reward skill development at each level of the apprenticeship.
Graduates achieve journeyman status as Sheet Metal Workers and the full benefits of union membership — including negotiated wages, health insurance, and pension benefits. This program is an excellent foundation for a stable, long-term career in Louisville's thriving construction and mechanical contracting sectors.
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.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.