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Sheet Metal Trade Careers in Kissimmee, FL in 2025

The sheet metal trade in Kissimmee, FL offers strong career opportunities with $22.92 average hourly wages and 47-78 job openings routinely available as of mid-2025 ¹²³. Unlike many trades, you don't need a college degree to enter this field - instead apprenticeship programs lasting 1-5 years provide the hands-on training needed to become a certified sheet metal worker ⁴. As the construction and HVAC sectors continue to grow in Central Florida ³, skilled professionals with technical expertise in TIG welding, press brake machinery, and computer-aided design are finding strong demand for their skills ¹; for more job listings, check Indeed.

Given the projected 34% retirement rate among current professionals ⁵, now is an ideal time to consider this career path. Let's explore the requirements, training options, salary expectations, and growth opportunities for sheet metal workers in Kissimmee, including resources from CareerOneStop for detailed occupation profiles.

Understand the Role of a Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers craft, install, and repair products made from thin metal sheets, working with materials like steel, aluminum, and copper; learn more about these roles via CareerOneStop. Their work appears in numerous forms:

• HVAC systems in commercial buildings

• Roofing and siding for residential properties
• Custom metal components for industrial equipment

• Decorative architectural elements

Beyond basic metal shaping, today's sheet metal professionals must also master modern fabrication technology including CNC machines; for training resources, visit HCC Apprenticeship.

Do You Need a License to Work in the Sheet Metal Trade in Kissimmee?

While Florida doesn't require a universal license for all sheet metal workers, certification is highly valuable and often required by employers. To become a certified sheet metal contractor in Florida, you must complete these steps ¹:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Gain four years of trade experience, including at least one year in a supervisory role
3. Pass both Sheet Metal Trade Knowledge and Business & Finance exams
4. Submit your certification application; more details on certification can be found at The Exam Pros.

Those who have completed apprenticeship programs through organizations like the Sheet Metal Institute ⁴ often find the certification process smoother. While entry-level positions may not require certification initially, earning your journeyman status through apprenticeship completion significantly improves job prospects and earning potential ⁴.

Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

Apprenticeships form the backbone of training in the sheet metal trade. These programs typically last 1-5 years, combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training ⁴. In Kissimmee, apprentices can expect to earn $18.50-$25/hour during training, with wages increasing as skills develop ⁶; explore openings on ZipRecruiter.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to search current openings in Kissimmee and surrounding areas
• Contact local training providers like Hillsborough Community College's Sheet Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship program ³
• Explore union opportunities through organizations like the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association; additional resources are available at Florida Department of Education.

Here's a comparison of apprenticeship options in Florida:

Steps to Becoming a Sheet Metal Worker in Kissimmee

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To begin your career in the sheet metal trade, you should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate basic math and measurement skills; for wage insights, refer to CareerOneStop Wages.
• Be physically capable of performing trade tasks
• Have reliable transportation (many jobs require site visits)

2. Complete Pre-Apprenticeship Training (Recommended)

While not always mandatory, completing pre-apprenticeship training can significantly improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship. Programs like those offered by the Florida Department of Education's Adult Preapprenticeship initiative ⁷ provide foundational skills in:

• Basic metalworking techniques
• Safety protocols
• Blueprint reading
• Tool identification and use

3. Start an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is the most direct path to becoming a fully qualified sheet metal worker. During your apprenticeship, you'll:

• Learn to operate press brakes, shears, and roll formers
• Master various welding techniques, including TIG welding for stainless steel
• Develop skills in reading and interpreting construction plans; find more job opportunities on SimplyHired.
• Gain experience in HVAC ductwork, roofing systems, and custom fabrication

To find apprenticeship opportunities in Kissimmee, Gild aggregates listings from multiple sources.

4. Obtain Journeyman Certification

After completing your apprenticeship, you can pursue journeyman certification. This typically involves:

• Documenting your work experience
• Passing a comprehensive skills assessment
• Demonstrating knowledge of current industry standards; learn about licensing at The Exam Pros.

Journeyman status significantly improves your employment prospects and earning potential, with many workers seeing wage increases to $25+/hour post-certification ⁶.

5. Consider Specialization or Business Ownership

Experienced sheet metal workers can advance their careers by:

• Specializing in areas like architectural sheet metal work or industrial HVAC systems
• Moving into supervisory or project management roles
• Starting their own sheet metal contracting business; for industry reports, see The Business Research Company.

Specialized skills in areas like stainless steel fabrication or computer-aided design can lead to even higher earning potential ¹.

Career Prospects and Salary Expectations

The sheet metal trade in Kissimmee offers strong career prospects:

• Job Growth: The industry is projected to grow 4% by 2029 ⁵
• Wage Range: Workers earn between $17.62-$42.61/hour, with an average of $22.92/hour ⁸; check CareerOneStop for updated data.
• Job Availability: 47-78 positions are typically available in Kissimmee at any given time ¹²³
• Industry Demand: Growth driven by construction activity, HVAC maintenance, and infrastructure projects

Several factors influence earning potential:

• Experience level (apprentices earn less than journeymen)
• Certifications and specializations
• Union vs non-union positions (union jobs often pay $15-$50/hour) ⁸
• Employer type (commercial contractors vs specialty fabricators)

With about 34% of current workers expected to retire by 2025 ⁵, opportunities for advancement and business ownership are growing; explore global market trends at The Business Research Company.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career in the sheet metal trade in Kissimmee offers a clear path to a stable, well-paying profession without requiring a traditional college degree. With strong demand, competitive wages, and clear advancement opportunities, this trade represents an excellent career choice for those interested in hands-on technical work; for additional guidance, visit Gild or Indeed.

To begin your journey:

• Explore current apprenticeship openings on Gild
• Research training programs at institutions like Hillsborough Community College ³
• Consider joining professional organizations for networking and advancement opportunities; more resources are on CareerOneStop.

As the construction and manufacturing sectors continue to grow in Central Florida, skilled sheet metal workers will remain in high demand. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a change, the sheet metal trade offers a promising path forward.

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