Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal JATC of San Diego
at Sheet Metal JATC of San Diego in San Diego, CA
About This Program
Sheet Metal JATC of San Diego sponsors this registered Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship program in San Diego, CA. This union JATC program is jointly overseen by labor and management, ensuring apprentices receive consistent, high-quality training tailored to the needs of San Diego's construction industry. Apprentices earn wages from the outset and advance through scheduled pay increases as they develop their skills over the course of the program.
The 5-year program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 640 hours of related technical instruction. In the field, apprentices work alongside journeymen learning HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal, welding, and roofing systems. Classroom instruction addresses blueprint reading, trade math, mechanical systems theory, fabrication techniques, and jobsite safety regulations.
Upon graduation, apprentices achieve journey-level Sheet Metal Worker status with union recognition, making them competitive candidates for employment with San Diego's union sheet metal contractors. The region's strong construction activity and military and commercial development projects provide a stable environment for a long-term career in the sheet metal trade.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.