Becoming a sheet metal worker in Harrisonburg, VA typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 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 to replace retiring professionals. Apprentices in Harrisonburg earn an average of $568 per week, with experienced sheet metal workers earning up to $1,071.75 per week. Training through trade schools, unions, and apprenticeship programs provides a pathway to a career with strong earning potential, often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced professionals.
