Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Workers JAC Local 19
at Sheet Metal Workers JAC Local 19 in Philadelphia, PA
About This Program
Sheet Metal Workers JAC Local 19 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship for the Philadelphia area. As a Joint Apprenticeship Committee program affiliated with Local 19, it provides apprentices with a structured, multi-year training experience backed by the resources of both union contractors and the international sheet metal workers' union.
The apprenticeship runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. In the field, apprentices develop skills in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct installation, roofing systems, and architectural metalwork. Classroom instruction reinforces field learning through coursework in blueprint reading, welding, applied mathematics, material science, and construction safety.
Completing the program earns apprentices journeyman Sheet Metal Worker status, positioning them for sustained employment in one of the largest construction markets on the East Coast. Local 19 union membership provides access to competitive wages, benefits, and a strong professional community.
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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