Colorado's Sheet Metal Work pathway prepares students for careers in sheet metal fabrication, installation, and HVAC ductwork. Colorado's construction and manufacturing sectors create demand for skilled sheet metal workers.
Students develop competency in layout and measurement, cutting techniques, forming and bending, joining methods, and welding basics. They work with sheet metal tools and materials through hands-on training.
Graduates work as sheet metal apprentices with contractors or fabrication shops. Many progress to journeyman status or specialize in HVAC systems. Colorado's construction sector ensures solid employment.
Sheet Metal Work at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Colorado's sheet metal standards align with industry practices and HVAC standards. Standards cover layout, fabrication, installation, and safety.
Students complete hands-on competency assessments demonstrating proficiency in measurement, cutting, forming, and joining techniques. Assessment includes welding basics and safety certifications.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Sheet Metal Fundamentals |
| Fabrication and Forming Techniques |
| Installation and Advanced Work |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NIMS Machining Level 1
- ✓AWS SENSE Entry Level Welder
- ✓AWS SENSE Advanced Welder
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Sheet Metal Apprentice
Entry LevelSalary range: $46,970 - $68,640
Sheet Metal Worker
ExperiencedSalary range: $46,970 - $68,640
Crew Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $86,660 - $188,290
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students apprentice with sheet metal contractors, HVAC companies, fabrication shops, and construction firms throughout Colorado.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Colorado Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Colorado
Construction Trades
Colorado's Construction Trades pathway prepares students for careers across the diverse construction industry. Colorado's strong construction sector, supported by population growth and infrastructure development, creates robust opportunities. Students develop foundational skills in multiple construction disciplines including carpentry, electrical basics, plumbing fundamentals, and HVAC concepts. They learn through comprehensive hands-on training and partnerships with construction companies. Graduates pursue specialized training in specific trades or work as general construction workers. Many progress to journeyman status or into construction management. Strong demand throughout Colorado ensures excellent career opportunities.
Skilled Trades & Technical SciencesHVAC - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Colorado's HVAC pathway prepares students for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Colorado's varied climate and growing construction create consistent demand for skilled HVAC technicians. Students master system design principles, equipment operation, refrigeration cycles, electrical components, and maintenance procedures. They work with multiple system types and gain hands-on experience through partnerships with HVAC contractors and building systems companies. Graduates work as HVAC technicians or apprentices, progressing to journeyman and master technician status. Many establish their own HVAC service businesses. Colorado's active construction and facility maintenance sectors ensure strong employment throughout the state.
Skilled Trades & Technical SciencesWelding
Colorado's Welding pathway prepares students for careers in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and fabrication industries where welding skills are essential. Colorado's manufacturing base and construction sector create strong demand for skilled welders. Students master multiple welding processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. They learn blueprint reading, metal properties, joint design, quality standards, and inspection through comprehensive hands-on training in modern welding labs. Graduates work as welders, fabricators, or welding technicians with manufacturing companies, construction firms, aerospace contractors, or specialized welding shops. Many advance to supervisory positions. Colorado's diverse industrial base ensures strong employment throughout the state.
Skilled Trades & Technical SciencesReady to Build Sheet Metal Work Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Sheet Metal Work in Colorado.