Sheet Metal Worker at Nashville Sheetmetal JATC
at Nashville Sheetmetal JATC in Nashville, TN
About This Program
Nashville Sheetmetal JATC sponsors this union sheet metal worker apprenticeship in Nashville, TN. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program, it delivers industry-standard training backed by both labor and management partners in Middle Tennessee.
The apprenticeship is five years in length and structured around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to fabricate, install, and service sheet metal systems — from commercial HVAC ductwork and exhaust systems to architectural metalwork. Technical classes address blueprint interpretation, applied math, welding, and safety regulations. All apprentices earn wages throughout their training period.
Graduates achieve journey-level status as sheet metal workers and are prepared for long-term careers in commercial, industrial, and residential construction. Union affiliation through the JATC offers added advantages including health benefits, pension contributions, and steady job placement throughout the Nashville 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.
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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