Sheet Metal Worker at Shreveport Sheet Metal Workers JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Shreveport Sheet Metal Workers JATC in Shreveport, LA

About This Program

The Shreveport Sheet Metal Workers JATC sponsors a union Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Shreveport, LA. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program offers a union-backed, paid training pathway for individuals entering the sheet metal trade in northwest Louisiana, with structured support at every stage of the five-year curriculum.

The program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on sheet metal fabrication, commercial HVAC ductwork installation, roofing systems, and architectural metal applications. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, applied mathematics, welding, and workplace safety standards. Wages increase regularly as apprentices move through successive program levels.

Graduates earn journeyman status as Sheet Metal Workers and full union membership through the Shreveport JATC, including access to negotiated wages, health benefits, and retirement contributions — a comprehensive package for a rewarding and stable trade career in the Shreveport region.

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.

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 Louisiana

Sheet Metal Workers in Louisiana are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

View full Louisianalicensing requirements →

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