Sheet Metal Shop Apprentice

Overview

Looking to build a hands-on career you can be proud of? As a Sheet Metal Shop Apprentice, you will dive into the world of commercial sheet metal shop experience. From your first day on the job, you will work side-by-side with experienced professionals where you will learn cutting, forming, and assembling sheet metal ductwork and custom components for HVAC and industrial projects using a variety of tools and machines.

Over four years, you’ll master everything from reading cut sheets to layout and cutting sheet metal materials to final assembly of the duct work and even learning basic welding techniques through our apprenticeship classes. Every day brings the opportunity to build something real, take on bigger challenges, and become a vital part of a high-performing team. We are looking for motivated, dependable individuals who are ready to show up, work hard, and keep raising the bar.

If you are someone who loves solving problems, working with your hands, and being part of something bigger, this is where your future in the trades starts. Ready to earn while you learn — and set yourself up for a career that lasts a lifetime? Join us!

• Fabricate and Assemble Ductwork – layout, measure, cut, bend, and shape sheet metal using hand tools, power tools, and metal fabrication machinery (e.g., press break, hand benders, shears, roll forming machines, Pittsburgh machine, plasma cutters).
• Read and interpret shop prints and field sketches — translate cut sheets and drawings into high-quality finished parts that meet project specs.
• Work with a variety of sheet metal types and gauges — understand characteristics, tolerances, and bend allowances to ensure precise fabrication.
• Assemble rectangular, round, and custom ductwork using spot welders, riveters, and seaming tools.
• Fabricate fittings, transitions, offsets, and custom components to sketches, details, and specs.
• Ensure quality control — inspect finished ductwork for proper sizing, sealing, labeling, and overall quality before delivery or installation.
• Assemble and weld metal components using MIG, TIG, or spot-welding techniques, as needed.
• Keep the shop clean, organized, and in compliance with safety protocols.
• Provide field support as needed — step into field installation or support roles when required, bringing shop-built components to life on active job sites.
• Attend sheet metal apprenticeship classes for 4 years.

• Year 1: Focus on core skills like tape measure reading (to 1/16”), basic hand tool use, ductwork identification, and shop processes.
• Year 2: Build proficiency with sheet metal forming tools, understand basic HVAC systems and how shop work connects to field installation, take ownership of assigned tasks and develop quality control habits.
• Year 3: Gain proficiency in quickly and accurately assembling complex duct types and fittings. Start reading and understanding blueprints and cut sheets with guidance.
• Year 4: Work independently as directed by the shop foreman, demonstrate strong measurement skills, begin basic welding knowledge, and understand full shop to field workflow.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs or more.
• Capable of standing, bending, and working on feet for 8+ hours per shift.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, climb, or balance during tasks.
• Operate fabrication machinery with precision.
• Maintain and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and steel-toe boots at all times.

The team you will be joining:

Our Shop department is a group of skilled professionals that plays an important role in ensuring our projects run smoothly from the ground up. This team is responsible for the assembly, fabrication, and preparation of materials and components needed for mechanical installations in the field. As a member of the Shop team, you will collaborate with foreman to ensure high-quality standards are met while working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Whether it’s creating custom fabrication components with our water jet,…