Sheet Metal Worker at Local 194 Sheet Metal Workers Inter. Assoc.
at Local 194 Sheet Metal Workers Inter. Assoc. in Philadelphia, PA
About This Program
Local 194 Sheet Metal Workers International Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship for the region. Administered through a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, this program offers apprentices a formal, industry-recognized pathway into the sheet metal trade with the backing of a well-established national union.
The five-year program consists of 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to fabricate and install ductwork, architectural metal, and HVAC systems while gaining field experience alongside journeymen. Classroom instruction covers topics including blueprint reading, pattern layout, welding fundamentals, HVAC theory, and safety regulations.
Graduates earn journeyman Sheet Metal Worker status recognized throughout the industry. Union membership through Local 194 connects graduates to a network of signatory contractors, negotiated wage scales, and comprehensive benefits that support a stable, long-term career in the trades.
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.
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
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