Sheet Metal Worker at Kern County Sheet Metal JATC
at Kern County Sheet Metal JATC in Bakersfield, CA
About This Program
Kern County Sheet Metal JATC sponsors this registered Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship program in Bakersfield, CA. This is a union JATC program, jointly administered by labor and management to provide apprentices with a structured, well-supported path into the sheet metal trade. Apprentices receive wages from their first day and benefit from a clearly defined progression through each stage of training.
The program runs for 5 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain field experience in HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation, roofing, welding, and architectural metalwork, guided by journey-level workers. Classroom instruction addresses blueprint reading, trade math, material science, safety regulations, and mechanical system principles.
Graduates earn journey-level Sheet Metal Worker status with union recognition, preparing them for employment across Kern County's commercial, agricultural, and industrial construction sectors. The sheet metal trade offers technically challenging work and strong career longevity for those committed to mastering the craft.
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.