Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Workers' Local 15 Jatctf

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Sheet Metal Workers' Local 15 Jatctf in Sanford, FL

About This Program

Sheet Metal Workers' Local 15 JATCTF sponsors a union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Sanford, FL. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program serves the Central Florida region, providing a paid, union-backed training pathway into one of the construction industry's core skilled trades.

The program spans five years and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial, industrial, and institutional job sites learning ductwork fabrication and installation, HVAC systems, architectural metalwork, and welding. Technical coursework addresses energy codes, advanced blueprint reading, safety requirements, and trade-specific regulations applicable to Florida construction.

Completions lead to journey-level status and union membership benefits including negotiated wages, health and retirement benefits, and access to continued education. With Central Florida's ongoing growth, journey-level sheet metal workers affiliated with Local 15 are well-positioned for a productive long-term career in the trade.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$26

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

640

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$16.00/hr
Journeyman wage$26.33/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Florida

Sheet Metal Workers in Florida are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board.

View full Floridalicensing requirements →

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