Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Local 26 JATC
at Sheet Metal Local 26 JATC in Sparks, NV
About This Program
The Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship offered by Sheet Metal Local 26 JATC is a union program based in Sparks, NV. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program, it is jointly administered by union and employer representatives, providing apprentices with strong industry connections and standardized, high-quality training from day one.
The program runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct installation, roofing systems, and architectural metalwork. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, welding, applied mathematics, and industry safety standards. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, with wages typically increasing as they advance.
Graduates earn journey-level status in the sheet metal trade, qualifying them for skilled work across commercial, industrial, and residential construction. Union membership through Local 26 provides access to collectively bargained 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.
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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