Sheet Metal Worker Career Guide

Sheet metal workers build, install and repair various sheet metal products found in residential, commercial and industrial facilities. This career field is in demand due to new construction and renovation of existing properties. For this reason, employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Job that is in demand
The renovation of existing facilities and the new constuction of residential and commercial properties has created a demand for sheet metal workers. Furthermore, many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in becoming a sheet metal worker.
Interesting and Challenging
Sheet metal workers are always learning new skills to safely and efficiently install various sheet metal products in buildings. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a sheet metal worker. Many sheet metal workers have acquired their training through apprenticeships, trade schools or working on the job with an employer.

Where you can work as a Sheet Metal Worker and Job Responsibilities

Construction

Sheet metal workers install and repair ductwork for HVAC systems found in residential, commercial and industrial facilities. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. Installation workers have been in high demand lately due to the construction of new properties and facility owners upgrade their HVAC equipment.

Job Responsibilities

Sheet metal workers that work in the construction industry install HVAC ductwork, commercial kitchen exhaust systems and other sheet metal products found in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Sheet metal workers bend, fabricate, assemble and install sheet metal ductwork during new construction and renovation projects. Sections of ductwork may be created off site at a shop then installed by sheet metal workers in the field. Sheet metal workers use a variety of hand tools, power tools and read blueprints to safely and correctly install sheet metal products. They frequently climb ladders, may be exposed to heights, may have to work on lifts, perform heavy lifting, wear safety equipment and receive training in OSHA safety standards. Sheet metal workers may also perform some service and maintenance of HVAC equipment.

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for sheet metal workers with several years of experience and training.

Management

Sheet Metal Workers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of facility manager, supervisor or foremen. Facility managers and supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

HVAC Technician

Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians are trained to install, maintain and repair a wide variety of HVAC/R equipment. Many Sheet Metal Workers have training in repairing and installing a variety of HVAC equipment. While Sheet Metal Workers mostly install duct work associated with heating and cooling equipment, during slow times they may participate in service and maintenance of heating and cooling equipment. Therefore, these workers can progress throughout their career into a HVAC technician position.

Inspector

How much money you can make as a Sheet Metal Worker and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Sheet Metal Worker is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on Sheet Metal Workers compensation- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472211.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started working as a Sheet Metal Worker is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

International Association of Sheet metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers- https://smart-union.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

On the Job Training/Community College/Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have HVAC/R programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of heating and cooling equipment and sheet metal duct work. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College’s, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what HVAC/R programs are available.

Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training HVAC/R technicians and sheet metal duct work installation. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It’s important to talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the HVAC/R field. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the Sheet Metal Worker career field. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Furthermore, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational assistance to a variety of training programs. For example, eligible veterans can use this assistance while they are enrolled in a skilled trades apprenticeship program. Joining the Armed Forces can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation. Contact a recruiter for further information on careers, job responsibility and benefits.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.