Better Than College? You Decide.
"I went to college. I got a degree, but I went into a completely different field after college. It was really hard to find a job in biology, my degree field. I did well in school and I really enjoyed it, but I just couldn’t find work. I started welding while I was looking for a physical therapy job and I just ended up falling in love with it."
- Kevin Dougherty, 27, 3rd Year Apprentice, Production Shop Welder
Start working now and get paid while you learn – we’ll cover the cost of your classes.
Most students who can’t cover the cost of college work full-time for minimum wage while in school, and can take up to six years to graduate with a four-year degree.
In the sheet metal industry, when you graduate to journeyworker status you’ll make more money than most college grads while enjoying some of the best benefits available. At the end of the day, you’ll see the results of your work and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Average College Student
- Student Loan Debt: $37,000
- Average Tuition: $12125/yr
- Average Working Student’s Income: $12.00/hr
- Average Working Student’s Hours: 30/wk
- Average Time to Finish “4 Year Degree”: 6 Years
- Average Starting Salary After College: $22.66/hr
Average Union Apprentice
- Student Loan Debt: $0
- Apprenticeship Tuition: $0/yr
- 1st Year Apprentice Income: $19.37/hr*
- 2nd Year Apprentice Income: $22.87/hr*
- 3rd Year Apprentice Income: $24.56/hr*
- 4th Year Apprentice Income: $28.03/hr*
- Time To Finish Apprenticeship: 4 Years
- Credits Earned Towards Associates Degree
- Starting Salary After Apprenticeship: $34.95/hr*
*+ 100% Employer Covered Benefits.
SMART Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 9
- Competitive wages
- Excellent benefits
- The opportunity to earn while you learn
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, it takes just a few more classes to complete your associate degree.