Becoming a sheet metal worker in South Bend, MI, typically starts with a comprehensive apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under experienced professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,000 sheet metal workers nationwide, with a slight job growth projection of 0.2% from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices earn an average of $1,064 per week in South Bend, MI, with an average annual salary of $55,200 for experienced professionals. 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.
