Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Workers 218-C
at Sheet Metal Workers 218-C in Champaign, IL
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.
About This Program
Sheet Metal Workers 218-C sponsors a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Champaign, IL, offering a non-union, employer-sponsored training program for individuals looking to enter the sheet metal trade in east-central Illinois. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, making it a financially viable option for those starting out in the trades.
The program lasts five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Working in the field, apprentices build skills in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct systems, roofing and architectural metalwork, and precision layout and measurement. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, applied math, welding, and workplace safety to complement practical training.
Upon completion, apprentices graduate as journey-level Sheet Metal Workers. The skills and experience gained through this program prepare graduates for steady employment in Champaign's construction sector and the broader Illinois mechanical contracting market.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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