Embarking on a career as a sheet metal worker in Batavia, NY, typically begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom instruction, enabling individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in the sheet metal trade last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under experienced professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with a projected 0.2% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices in New York earn an average of $15.30 per hour, translating to approximately $610 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Guild help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced professionals.
