Our Apprenticeship Training Program

What we Offer

The Western Washington Sheet Metal (JATC) is a state approved apprenticeship training program covering all of Western Washington. We have two main training facilities in Everett and DuPont, and two satellite training centers in Longview and Bellingham. Our apprentices work full-time and attend class part-time. Typical class size is 12-15 students. All apprentices are eligible for benefits from day one of our program. While in our program you are earning credits toward an Associates of Applied Science Degree from Bates Community College.

Our apprenticeships fall into two categories: commercial and residential.

As a commercial apprentice, while working full time, you’ll attend classes at one of our main campuses for 40 hours a week, five weeks a year, for five years. First and second year apprentices rotate employers every six months providing an opportunity to gain a variety of skills and experience from multiple companies.

For the residential apprentice, while working full time, you’ll attend classes at one of our main campuses for 40 hours a week, four weeks a year, for three years.

When you graduate from any of our programs, you receive a Certificate of Completion from the state of Washington and a journey card that is recognized by every Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation (SMART) local union in North America.

We currently have approved training programs for five occupations. Our commercial training programs encompass Sheet Metal Worker, HVAC Service Technician, HVAC Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) Technician, and HVAC Controls Technician. Our residential training program focuses on the Residential Sheet Metal Worker.

The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices shall be without discrimination because of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or as otherwise specified by law. The sponsor shall take positive action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required by the rules of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and Title 29, Part 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (WAC 296-05-316(3)) Rev: 07/01/09

Explore the Sheet Metal Trade

Are you looking for a fulfilling career that offers diversity, stability, and excellent earning potential? Look no further than the sheet metal trade! In this informative video, we will introduce you to the myriad of pathways available within the sheet metal industry and shed light on the comprehensive programs offered through our highly regarded apprenticeship program.

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Commercial Apprenticeship

Minimum Qualifications

18 years old
High school diploma or GED
Physically able to perform rigorous manual labor required by the trade.
Pre-employment drug test.
Pass a sheet metal math and reading assessment.
Work experience not required.

Sheet Metal Worker

The sheet metal apprentice undergoes in-depth guidance and practical exposure in every facet of the profession, covering a range of areas such as general sheet metal, architectural work, specialized installations, industrial projects, air conditioning and heating systems, soldering, welding, brazing, plastic welding, CAD, and computer-based training.

Sheet Metal WOrker

5 Years
9,000 hours on-the-job training
1,000 hours classroom/lab instruction
200 hours/year supplemental instruction

Careers

HVAC Service Technician

The HVAC Service Technician apprentice undergoes in-depth guidance and practical exposure in every facet of the profession, covering a range of areas in energy management, service, maintenance and installation of Heat & AC/Systems, special installation and specialty work, general sheet metal work, soldering, welding, brazing.

HVAC Service Technician

5 Years
9,000 hours on-the-job training
1,000 hours classroom/lab instruction
200 hours/year supplemental instruction

Learn More

HVAC Test, Adjust and Balance Technician (TAB)

The HVAC TAB Technician apprentice undergoes in-depth guidance and practical exposure in every facet of the profession, covering a range of areas such as testing, adjusting, and balancing of air handling equipment, duct work, water distribution systems, basics of HVAC systems, duct design and computer programs.

HVAC Test, Adjust and Balance Technician (TAB)

5 Years
9,000 hours on-the-job training
1,000 hours classroom/lab instruction
200 hours/year supplemental instruction

Learn More

HVAC Controls Technician

The HVAC Controls Technician apprentice undergoes in-depth guidance and practical exposure in every facet of the profession, covering a range of areas such as controls and component installation, start up and commissioning building systems, computer and BAS Systems networking, control wiring installation and retrofit and energy services and monitoring.

HVAC Controls Technician

5 Years
9,000 hours on-the-job training
1,000 hours classroom/lab instruction
200 hours/year supplemental instruction

Learn More

Residential Apprenticeship

Minimum Qualifications

Residential Sheet Metal Worker

The Residential Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship undergoes in-depth guidance and practical exposure in every facet of the profession, covering a range of areas such general sheet metal work, heating and ventilation, air conditioning, soldering, HVAC equipment and control installation.

Residential Sheet Metal Worker

3 Years
5,400 hours on-the-job training
432 hours classroom/lab instruction
144 hours/year supplemental instruction

Careers

Rachelle Lynch

Instructor

“In our apprenticeship program, I’ve witnessed individuals who faced hardships and struggled with dependencies but are now successfully building a better life for themselves and their families.”