Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal JATC, Cincinnati Lu 24
at Sheet Metal JATC, Cincinnati Lu 24 in Cincinnati, OH
About This Program
The Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship offered by Sheet Metal JATC, Cincinnati LU 24 is a union JATC program based in Cincinnati, OH. Jointly administered by labor and management, this program provides apprentices in the Greater Cincinnati area with structured, union-backed training in one of the construction industry's most skilled trades.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on active job sites learning HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal, roofing systems, and specialty metalwork. Classroom coursework covers blueprint reading, welding, trade mathematics, and safety standards. Apprentices earn wages from day one, with incremental increases as they advance through the program.
Graduates earn journey-level standing and full membership in Local 24, supporting access to union wages, benefits, and steady employment through signatory contractors across the Cincinnati tri-state region. The sheet metal trade offers a well-compensated and stable long-term career in building construction and systems.
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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