Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 100 - Washington D.C.
at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 100 - Washington D.C. in Suitland, MD
About This Program
Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 100 – Washington D.C., with training operations based in Suitland, MD, sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship through its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). Union apprentices receive collectively bargained wage increases as they advance through the program and gain access to union benefits.
The program is 5 years long and structured around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and government projects in the Washington D.C. metro area, learning to fabricate, install, and service sheet metal systems including HVAC ductwork, exhaust systems, and architectural metalwork. Classroom topics include blueprint reading, sheet metal fabrication, welding, trade math, and safety regulations.
Upon completion, apprentices earn journeyworker status with Local Union 100, a respected credential for employment across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia construction market. The sheet metal trade offers strong career prospects in one of the country's most active commercial construction regions.
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
Licensing in Maryland
Sheet Metal Workers in Maryland are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
View full Marylandlicensing requirements →Reviews
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