Sheet Metal Worker at Sheet Metal Workers of Central Pa JATC Lu 19
at Sheet Metal Workers of Central Pa JATC Lu 19 in Hamburg, PA
About This Program
Sheet Metal Workers of Central PA JATC LU 19, located in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, sponsors this union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship for the central Pennsylvania region. As a JATC program, it is jointly overseen by union contractors and sheet metal workers' union representatives, ensuring apprentices receive training that meets the highest industry standards.
Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Field work includes fabricating and installing HVAC ductwork, architectural sheet metal, and roofing systems under the mentorship of journeyman tradespeople. Classroom instruction addresses blueprint reading, welding, material properties, applied math, and workplace safety.
Completing this apprenticeship earns graduates journeyman Sheet Metal Worker status. This credential supports long-term career stability in the central Pennsylvania construction market, with union affiliation providing access to collectively bargained wages, health insurance, and retirement benefits.
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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