Becoming a sheet metal worker in Providence, RI, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines practical experience with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships last between three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 600 hours of classroom instruction. The average hourly wage for a Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice in Rhode Island is $18.39, with entry-level apprentices earning around $15.42 per hour. With experience, wages can increase significantly, with the highest-paid apprentices making up to $24.79 per hour. The demand for skilled sheet metal workers remains steady, with the industry anticipating a need for approximately 5,200 new workers over the next decade, primarily to replace retiring workers. This career path offers a structured route to a rewarding profession with competitive compensation and diverse opportunities for growth and specialization.
