Breaking New Ground: Official Approval for Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund (JATF) has received official certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for its Pre-Apprenticeship program. This marks a major milestone for workforce development in Philadelphia, providing a structured, paid program that prepares candidates for successful careers in the sheet metal trades.

Program Overview:

• A six-month, 1000-hour program combining classroom instruction with hands-on training

• Open to high school students, women, veterans, and other underrepresented groups

• Offers industry-recognized certifications including OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and Aerial Lift Awareness

• Participants receive tools, personal protective equipment, and transportation support at no cost

• Paid program designed to build skills and provide a pathway into Local 19’s Registered Apprenticeship

Who Can Participate:
The program is open to a diverse group of candidates, including high school students, women, veterans, and individuals from disadvantaged communities. It is designed to promote inclusion and provide equitable access to career opportunities in the building trades.

Training and Support:
Participants receive tools, personal protective equipment, and transportation assistance at no cost, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation. The hands-on component is delivered in partnership with Local 19’s signatory contractors, providing real-world experience that prepares pre-apprentices for advancement into registered apprenticeship programs.

Career Pathways:
Successful completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program grants participants advanced standing and waived application fees when entering Local 19’s Registered Apprenticeship. For those who choose other career paths, the certifications earned offer valuable credentials transferable across the construction industry.

Community Impact:
This initiative is part of Local 19’s longstanding commitment to workforce development and sustainable career creation in the trades. By expanding access and providing quality training, the program supports the growth of a skilled, diverse, and resilient labor force for the region.

Next Steps:
The program will enroll cohorts twice annually, with up to 20 participants per year. Contractors, educators, and interested individuals can learn more or get involved by visiting www.lu19.com or contacting Apprenticeship Director Donald Smith at dsmith@lu19.com or 215-952-1999.