Frequently Asked Questions

What is apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

Our apprenticeship program is 4 Years, consisting of 8000-OJL  (on-the-job learning) hours and 800 related instruction hour (in the classroom).

What jobs are available?

We work with 27 contractors covering the entire state of New Mexico,  Lubbock & Amarillo, and also El Paso work can be anywhere in our jurisdiction. 

what if i don't want to work in albuquerque?

Jobs are available across the entire state of New Mexico as well as parts of Texas, including Lubbock & Amarillo, and also El Paso.

what is the cost of the program?  

There is no cost to our apprentices.  You pay no tuition or fees , AND you get to "earn while you learn”.

DO I GET PAID FOR THE JOBS I DO?

Yes.  The starting wage for 1st period apprentices is $14.64/hour plus fringe benefits.  Wages increase every six months upon successful completion of each period.  The current journey person rate is $29.78/hour plus fringe benefits. 

Employment is not guaranteed but is dependent on the current demand for employees in the construction industry. 

Our goal is to keep apprentices working while learning the trade in a safe and productive manner.  Layoffs can occur for various reasons including slowing down of  construction, poor work performance, etc.
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Contact:
Jerry Arms, Training Supervisor
Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49
2300 Buena Vista SE., Suite 110
Albuquerque, NM 87106
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