Sheet Metal Worker at New England Sheet Metal Inc

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at New England Sheet Metal Inc in Cranston, RI

About This Program

New England Sheet Metal Inc in Cranston, Rhode Island sponsors this employer-based Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship. This non-union program offers a five-year paid training pathway for individuals in Rhode Island looking to develop practical, marketable skills in the sheet metal trade through direct employer mentorship and classroom study.

Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction over the course of the program. Field work covers sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct installation, custom metal forming, and installation of roofing and building envelope components. Technical instruction topics include blueprint reading, welding, layout and pattern development, material properties, and workplace safety.

Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates are qualified Sheet Metal Workers with skills applicable across residential, commercial, and light industrial construction sectors. New England Sheet Metal Inc provides hands-on mentorship throughout the program, giving apprentices a solid foundation for a long career in the trade.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

640

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$16.00/hr
Journeyman wage$26.33/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Rhode Island

Sheet Metal Workers in Rhode Island are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers.

View full Rhode Islandlicensing requirements →

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