Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal JATC
at Sheet Metal JATC in Portland, OR
About This Program
The Sheet Metal JATC in Portland, Oregon offers a union-affiliated Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship through a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. This registered program gives aspiring tradespeople in the Portland area a paid, structured route into the sheet metal industry under the guidance of experienced union professionals.
Apprentices complete a five-year program consisting of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Hands-on work covers the fabrication and installation of ductwork, HVAC systems, architectural metal, and building envelope components. Classroom coursework addresses blueprint reading, applied math, welding techniques, material properties, and workplace safety.
Graduates achieve journeyman Sheet Metal Worker status, qualifying them for work across a broad range of commercial, industrial, and institutional construction projects in the Portland metro area and beyond. Union affiliation provides access to negotiated wages, benefits, and continued training opportunities throughout a career in the 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.
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
Licensing in Oregon
Sheet Metal Workers in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division, Mechanical Program.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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