Apprenticeship is a centuries-old method of teaching a trade — mentors instruct apprentices in the classroom, and these apprentices earn a livable wage while also working on job sites. For far too long college has been the only option encouraged as a path to high-paying careers. As an apprentice at Local 104, apprentices will learn skills that set them up for secure jobs and a career — not just a job — for a lifetime. It is possible to have a career, a good job, without a college education.
Local 104 Training Fund offers five-year apprenticeship programs in building trades sheet metal, air conditioning mechanic and testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technician.
A career as a union sheet metal worker is for everyone. And we mean it. If you’re seeking a career in a growing field that values diversity, you’ve come to the right place. There is no gender pay gap in unionized sheet metal — union jobs for women pay the same as they do for men. In fact, women working in union sheet metal receive higher wages than they may in most traditional blue-collar careers.
From the first day of the paid apprenticeship, students receive health benefits, typically also for a spouse and children, and pension benefits that help with retirement. Once you graduate from the apprenticeship, the sky is the limit. Union sheet metal workers can advance in their careers to become part-time and full-time instructors, job site leaders, business owners, project managers, system designers and planners, union leaders and more.