Sheet Metal Worker at Montana State Sheet Metal JATC
at Montana State Sheet Metal JATC in Butte, MT
About This Program
Montana State Sheet Metal JATC sponsors a union apprenticeship program in Butte, Montana. This five-year JATC program offers structured, paid training designed to develop well-rounded sheet metal workers ready to contribute on commercial and industrial job sites across the state.
Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of classroom instruction. Training covers HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal, roofing systems, welding, layout, and the use of industry-standard tools and equipment. Coursework includes blueprint reading, applied math, and safety regulations.
Graduates earn journeyman sheet metal worker credentials through the Montana State JATC, positioning them for long-term employment in the trades. Union membership through the JATC brings the added benefit of negotiated wages, healthcare, and retirement contributions — making this one of the more comprehensive pathways into the sheet metal trade in Montana.
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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