Sheet Metal Worker at West Virginia Sheet Metal Workers
at West Virginia Sheet Metal Workers in Parkersburg, WV
About This Program
West Virginia Sheet Metal Workers sponsors an employer-based sheet metal worker apprenticeship in Parkersburg, WV. This non-union program provides a structured training opportunity for individuals looking to build a skilled trades career in the sheet metal industry serving the mid-Ohio Valley region.
The apprenticeship runs for five years, incorporating 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn the core skills of the trade — fabricating, installing, and maintaining sheet metal products such as HVAC ductwork, ventilation systems, gutters, and custom architectural components — while working under the guidance of experienced tradespeople. Technical coursework addresses safety practices, blueprint reading, applied mathematics, and trade-specific codes. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program.
Completing all requirements earns graduates recognition as journey-level sheet metal workers. This practical credential supports employment across commercial, industrial, and residential construction in West Virginia and neighboring states, and provides a foundation for long-term career growth in the trades.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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