Sheet Metal Worker at Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC
at Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC in Everett, WA
About This Program
The Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC offers a union sheet metal worker apprenticeship based in Everett, WA. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program is sponsored by employers in the sheet metal industry and provides a structured path to a skilled trades career for workers throughout the western Washington region.
The program runs for five years and combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 640 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journey-level sheet metal workers to develop hands-on skills in fabricating, installing, and maintaining ductwork, HVAC systems, roofing components, and architectural sheet metal. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, mathematics, safety, and industry codes. Apprentices are paid while they train, with wages that typically increase as they advance through the program.
Upon completing all requirements, apprentices achieve journey-level status as sheet metal workers — a recognized, portable credential within the union construction industry. Journey-level sheet metal workers are in demand across commercial, industrial, and residential construction, with strong long-term career prospects in the Pacific Northwest.
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
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 →Reviews
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