Becoming a sheet metal worker in Brookings, SD, typically begins with a structured apprenticeship, which combines approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 600 hours of classroom instruction over three to five years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with the industry projected to need about 5,200 new workers by 2032. Apprentices in Brookings earn an average of $616.33 per week, with the potential to advance to an annual salary of up to $56,000 for experienced workers. Training programs, unions, and industry associations provide pathways to this skilled trade, offering a stable career with competitive compensation.
