Sheet Metal Worker at Tri-Counties Sheet Metal & A/C Jac
at Tri-Counties Sheet Metal & A/C Jac in Ventura, CA
About This Program
Tri-Counties Sheet Metal & A/C JAC sponsors this registered Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship program in Ventura, CA. This union JATC program covers the Ventura County area and is jointly administered by labor and management to deliver structured, paid training for individuals entering the sheet metal and air conditioning trade. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program and progress through regular pay increases tied to their advancement.
The program runs for 5 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC and air conditioning system installation, ductwork, roofing, welding, and architectural metal applications. Classroom coursework addresses blueprint reading, trade math, mechanical systems, metal fabrication methods, and workplace safety standards.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level Sheet Metal Workers with union standing, prepared to work with signatory contractors throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas. California's ongoing construction demand and Ventura's mix of residential, commercial, and industrial projects support strong long-term career opportunities in the sheet metal trade.
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.
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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