Why should I be an apprentice?
Sheet Metal is Everywhere!
Look around you. In your community, you can see hundreds of examples of sheet metal craftsmanship. In office buildings, churches, store fronts, restaurants, shopping malls, schools and everywhere you see construction going on.
Sheet metal workers do a variety of jobs. They design, fabricate and install heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. They use computers to fabricate sheet metal products. They design and create a variety of architectural details like brass and copper ornamentation, columns, skylights, signs and metal ceilings. Some of them are also taught safe and proper methods of asbestos abatement.
Real World Skills
A sheet metal apprenticeship allows you to learn a craft while working and earning an income. The SMWIA Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program offers a well-rounded mix of classroom education, hands-on learning and on-the-job training. Our apprenticeship instructors teach you to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to your job. And what you learn on the job will reinforce what you learn on the classroom.
Your training does not have to stop once you graduate from the apprenticeship program. As a journeyperson Union Sheet Metal Worker, you can enroll in classes to master new skills and techniques that will make you a more marketable and employable craftsman. SMWIA Sheet Metal Workers are among the highest paid and respected tradespeople within the building construction industry.
Earn while you learn!
Unlike the high costs of college, your sheet metal apprenticeship program will not cost you a cent as long as you work for Union sheet metal contractors. In fact, you’ll get paid while you learn the craft. You’ll receive a pay raise every twelve months during your apprenticeship as long as you maintain a high standard of learning in the classroom and on the job.
Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 25 will negotiate with your employer to secure decent wages, safe and healthy work places, medical and retirement benefits, vacation and sick leave and a variety of other important benefits. After you complete the apprenticeship program, the Union will help you maintain employment with one of the thousands of sheet metal contractors who covet the skills of our graduates.
Apprenticeship Wages Benefits, and Advancement
Apprentices start out at 45% of our Journeyperson wage package which is $23.09 per hour, plus $21.20 in fringe benefits, under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The work week consists of 40 hours; any work in excess of 8 hours per day and Saturday is paid at the rate of time and one-half; Sundays and holidays are paid at double time. There is a vacation fund included in the wage structure. There are no paid holidays.
Apprentices are required to attend 160 hours per year of related instruction for four years, provided by the Joint Apprentice and Training Committee, in a daytime program located at the J.A.T.C. Training Center at 440 Barell Avenue, Carlstadt, NJ. Apprentices are paid by their contractor/employer while they are attending apprentice day school. Fringe benefit contributions are made by the employer on behalf of apprentices to the following funds:
- Vacation Fund
- Health & Welfare Fund
- Pension Fund
- Annuity Fund
- SASMI
- Education Fund
- Local & National Industry Fund
- National Training Fund
General Requirements
- Must have a valid driver’s license/have a reliable means of transportation
- Must pass a drug screening
- Must take a written Mechanical Aptitude Examination (Part 1 – Computation, Part 2 – Concepts & Application, Part 3 – Mechanical Reasoning, Part 4 – Space Relations.)
- Must be able to work in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
- Must be able to get to work in any of the eight counties in Local 25’s jurisdiction; Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Union Counties
- Must be able to endure the physical demands of the construction industry
- Must be available to work overtime, evenings, and weekends if required
- Must be able to be on your feet for 8 hours every day and must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
- Must be able to climb at least an 8-foot ladder
- Must be willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) specifically hard hat, safety gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, work boots, neon colored clothing, but not limited to these items
- Must be able to obtain SWAC and TWIC cards
- Must submit W-2 forms from past & present employers (5yrs.)
- Must submit official high school transcripts, GED and any other school transcripts or certifications (trade school, college, welding, etc.)
- Must complete online Application
- Must submit all required documents to online application.
Apprentice School Rules & Requirements
- All apprentice day school classes are held at the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 25 Training Center, 440 Barell Avenue, Carlstadt, NJ or via ZOOM. Classes are from 6:30 AM until 3:00 PM.
- Apprentice School Tuition is $75.00 per semester and due by the first day you are in school and must be paid online through the Union Fusion System.
After the first year, and every twelve (12) months thereafter, upon successful completion of two (2) terms, apprentices are advanced both terms and receive a % pay raise.
Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 25 maintains jurisdiction over the work being performed in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Essex and Union Counties in Northern New Jersey.