Sheet Metal Worker at Southeastern Washington/Northeastern Oregon Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Committee

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Southeastern Washington/Northeastern Oregon Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Committee in Pasco, WA

About This Program

The Southeastern Washington/Northeastern Oregon Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Committee sponsors a sheet metal worker apprenticeship based in Pasco, WA. This employer-sponsored program serves the Tri-Cities area and surrounding region, offering a structured training pathway for individuals pursuing a career in the sheet metal trades.

The apprenticeship is five years in length, combining 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to fabricate, install, and service sheet metal products including HVAC ductwork, ventilation systems, gutters, and architectural metal components. Technical instruction covers safety practices, blueprint reading, measurement, and applicable building codes. Apprentices earn wages throughout training, with pay increasing as skills and experience grow.

Completing this apprenticeship qualifies graduates as journey-level sheet metal workers, a credential respected across the construction industry in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Journey-level workers find employment in commercial, industrial, and residential construction, with opportunities for long-term advancement into supervisory and estimating roles.

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.

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 Washington

Sheet Metal Workers in Washington are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

View full Washingtonlicensing requirements →

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