Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Workers Local #73 JATC
at Sheet Metal Workers Local #73 JATC in Bellwood, IL
About This Program
Sheet Metal Workers Local #73 JATC sponsors a union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Bellwood, IL, serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program is one of the region's premier entry points into the sheet metal trade, offering structured training with full union support and pay from day one.
The five-year program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on commercial and industrial sheet metal fabrication, HVAC ductwork installation, roofing, and architectural metalwork. Classroom instruction addresses blueprint reading, applied geometry, welding, and safety standards. Wages and benefits increase steadily as apprentices progress through each level of the program.
Graduates earn journeyman status and full union membership, providing access to negotiated wages, health benefits, and a pension — making this one of the most sought-after apprenticeship opportunities for individuals pursuing a lasting career in the Illinois sheet metal and mechanical trades.
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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