Looking to build a hands-on career you can be proud of? As a Sheet Metal Shop Apprentice, you will dive into the world of commercial sheet metal shop experience. From your first day on the job, you will work side-by-side with experienced professionals where you will learn cutting, forming, and assembling sheet metal ductwork and custom components for HVAC and industrial projects using a variety of tools and machines.

Over four years, you’ll master everything from reading cut sheets to layout and cutting sheet metal materials to final assembly of the duct work and even learning basic welding techniques through our apprenticeship classes. Every day brings the opportunity to build something real, take on bigger challenges, and become a vital part of a high-performing team.

We are looking for motivated, dependable individuals who are ready to show up, work hard, and keep raising the bar. If you are someone who loves solving problems, working with your hands, and being part of something bigger, this is where your future in the trades starts.

Ready to earn while you learn — and set yourself up for a career that lasts a lifetime? Join us!

In this role, you will be responsible for

• Fabricate and Assemble Ductwork – learn how to layout, measure, cut, bend, and shape sheet metal using hand tools, power tools, and metal fabrication machinery (e.g., press break, hand benders, shears, roll forming machines, Pittsburgh machine, plasma cutters).
• Learning to read and Interpret Shop Prints and Field Sketches - Accurately translate cut sheets and drawings into high-quality finished parts that meet project specs.
• Work with a Variety of Sheet Metal Types and Gauges - Understand the characteristics, tolerances, and bend allowances of different metals to ensure precise fabrication.
• Assemble rectangular, round, and custom ductwork using spot welders, riveters, and seaming tools.
• Fabricate fittings, transitions, offsets, and custom components to sketches, details and specs.
• Ensure Quality Control - Inspect all finished ductwork for proper sizing, sealing, labeling, and overall quality before delivery or installation.
• Assemble and weld metal components using MIG, TIG, or spot-welding techniques, as needed.
• Keep the shop clean, organized, and in compliance with safety protocols.
• Provide Field Support as Needed - Step into field installation or support roles when required, bringing shop-built components to life on active job sites.
• Attending sheet metal apprenticeship classes for 4 years. 

Skill Progression Across the Program:

• Year 1: Focus on core skills like tape measure reading (to 1/16”), basic hand tool use, ductwork identification, and shop processes.
• Year 2: Build proficiency with sheet metal forming tools, understand basic HVAC systems and how shop work connects to field installation, take ownership of assigned tasks and develop quality control habits.
• Year 3: Gain proficiency in quickly and accurately assembling complex types of duct and fittings. Start reading and understanding blueprints and cut sheets with guidance.
• Year 4: Work independently as directed by the shop foreman, demonstrate strong measurement skills, begin basic welding knowledge, and understand full shop to field workflow.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs or more.
• Capable of standing, bending, and working on feet for 8+ hours per shift.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, climb, or balance during tasks.
• Operate fabrication machinery with precision.
• Maintain and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and steel-toe boots at all times.

The team you will be joining:

Our Shop department is a group of skilled professionals that plays an important role in ensuring our projects run smoothly from the ground up. This team is responsible for the assembly, fabrication, and preparation of materials and components needed for mechanical installations in the field. As a member of the Shop team, you will collaborate with foreman to ensure high-quality standards are met while working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Whether it’s creating custom fabrication components with our water jet, assembling ductwork work or welding sheet metal pieces, your work will help set the foundation for successful projects once they get to the jobsite. Joining this team means being part of a group that prides itself on craftsmanship, efficiency, expertise and a commitment to excellence.

Who we are looking for

You are a hands-on problem solver who takes pride in precision, craftsmanship, and getting the job done right the first time. From reading cut sheets and bending metal to troubleshooting machines, you bring skill, focus, and efficiency to every task. You know your way around fabrication tools, understand different sheet metals, and can spot excellent quality from a mile away. With strong attention to detail, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a safety-first mindset, you follow all safety and equipment guidelines. You communicate well with co-workers, stay organized, meet deadlines, and work just as effectively on your own as you do in a team. You are attentive, eager to learn, and bring a positive attitude to the shop every day—ready to build with accuracy and step in into the field or wherever needed to get the job done.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; trade school certification or technical training is a plus.
• Familiarity with shop layout optimization and material handling.
• Basic knowledge of HVAC systems and installation practices.
• OSHA 10 or 30 is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations.
• Forklift certification is preferred.

Who we are

New England Air Systems is proud to serve as the industry leader in comprehensive mechanical systems throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York. We design, build, install, maintain, and service HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing systems for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients. With a legacy of living our values since 1972, we are committed to customer relationships and building systems that last.

We believe that great work starts with great people. That’s why we foster a culture built on collaboration, growth, and excellence. As one of Vermont’s top employers, we invest in our team through ongoing training and advancement opportunities—ensuring that you are not just doing a job but building a career that lasts a lifetime.

Benefits

The base hourly range for this role is $18.00 to $31.00 per hour based upon a scale increase on levels 1-4 in the apprenticeship program. We determine final compensation based on discussions with applicants and their experience in similar roles.

• A competitive salary
• Medical Insurance with a Health Reimbursement Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance for employees and their dependents
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Provided Uniforms for Field Employees
• Company-Supplied Power Tools and Equipment