Becoming a sheet metal worker in Great Bend, KS, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed 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 earn an average of $838 per week in Kansas, with experienced professionals often exceeding $1,400 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like the Sheet Metal Workers National Training Fund help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
