How to hire a sheet metal apprentice

How to hire a sheet metal apprentice, step by step

Here's a step-by-step sheet metal apprentice hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a sheet metal apprentice job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal apprentice
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The sheet metal apprentice hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A sheet metal apprentice's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, sheet metal apprentices from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of sheet metal apprentices and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Sheet Metal Apprentice	Description	Hourly rate
   Sheet Metal Apprentice	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.	$13-25
   Plumber	Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more... Show more	$17-40
   Journeyman Plumber	A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects... Show more	$17-38

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HVAC
   • Hand Tools
   • Product Specifications
   • Tape Measure
   • Ladders
   • Safety Procedures
   • Stainless Steel
   • Dividers
   • MIG
   • Layout Techniques
   • Air Ducts
   • Construction Sites
   • Snips
   • Install Duct

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Help hang duct work, make duct work, plumbing.
   • Certify by the USAF in MIG and TIG weld operations.
   • Use scribers, dividers, and squares to mark dimensions on materials
   • Measure parts with micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions.
   • Perform in visible, progressively responsible roles primarily involving the installation of commercial/ industrial HVAC equipment.
   • Work to restore aircraft to optimal performance capacity by ensuring that necessary devices are repaired and install according to FAA guidelines.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your sheet metal apprentice job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A sheet metal apprentice can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, sheet metal apprentices' average salary in arkansas is 50% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level sheet metal apprentices 44% less than senior-level sheet metal apprentices.
   • Certifications. A sheet metal apprentice with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a sheet metal apprentice's salary.

   Average sheet metal apprentice salary

   $39,020yearly

   $18.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level sheet metal apprentice salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a sheet metal apprentice job description

   A sheet metal apprentice job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a sheet metal apprentice job description:

   Sheet metal apprentice job description example

   Job DescriptionCMS specializes in high-quality mechanical/plumbing installation, repair & renovation projects, complex construction, and maintenance & service on building systems. We build strong relationships with each of our clients, ensuring that they are informed and provided with a high level of communication to meet and exceed expectations throughout the project life cycle.
   
   Ready to find a great career opportunity & company to continue to build your HVAC Sheet Metal career??
   We are currently searching for multiple 3rd and 4th year HVAC Sheet Metal Apprentices to join our team! The HVAC Sheet Metal Apprentice will perform general sheet metal duties as required with supervision.
   
   HVAC Sheet Metal Apprentice Job Summary
   Perform general sheet metal fabrication and installation duties with supervision.
   
   APPRENTICE 3 (2-3 year) Do all types of small jobs alone with supervision including add on air conditioning, furnace change-outs, humidifiers, air cleaners. Can install all types of normal residential, commercial, industrial HVAC systems with supervision. Able to impart trade knowledge to and lead a helper. Can coordinate work with customer and other trades. Can install outside metal. Can weld light gauge sheet and lightweight angle iron frames. Can complete jobs successfully in terms of labor and material budgets. Can document approximately 6,000 hours of employment. Other duties as assigned APPRENTICE 4 (3-4 year)
   Application for certification at local jurisdictions as required. Know fundamental design and can successfully complete all jobs as per CMS mechanical standards. Can document 8,000 hours of employment. Support the total quality effort. Identify and respond to the needs of internal and external customers 100% of the time. Work within the guidelines of the safety and employee policy. Upon graduation, obtain Denver Journeyman Heating and Ventilating Certificate. Other duties as assigned
   Qualifications Minimum 18 years of age High school graduate/GED Mechanical aptitude Willingness to learn through on the job training and technical school courses Reliable transportation to and from work required Pay Range: $23-$30/hr. (Depending on skill and experience.) -- Benefits offered: Health, Vision, dental, 401k.
   
   Colorado Mechanical Systems, Inc. (CMS) is privately owned and operated in Centennial, Colorado. CMS provides commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, and plumbing services across the Colorado Front Range, including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins.
   Colorado Mechanical Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
   
   CMS also uses E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees by electronically matching information provided by employees on the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, against records available to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right sheet metal apprentice for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your sheet metal apprentice job on Zippia to find and attract quality sheet metal apprentice candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting sheet metal apprentices requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal apprentice

   Once you have selected a candidate for the sheet metal apprentice position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new sheet metal apprentice. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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