Sheet Metal Worker at Omaha Sheet Metal JAC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Omaha Sheet Metal JAC in Omaha, NE

About This Program

Omaha Sheet Metal JAC offers a five-year union apprenticeship program in Omaha, Nebraska. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee program is designed to train skilled sheet metal workers for the commercial and industrial construction market, with apprentices earning wages from day one.

The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to fabricate, assemble, and install sheet metal systems including HVAC ductwork, roofing, architectural metal, and industrial equipment components. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, geometry, welding, material properties, and workplace safety standards.

Graduates of the Omaha Sheet Metal JAC program earn journeyman sheet metal worker credentials, qualifying them for long-term employment in one of the Midwest's busiest construction markets. The JAC model ensures both labor and employer perspectives shape the training, supporting consistent quality and job-readiness upon graduation.

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.

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

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

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