Work Smart. Earn More.

Build a lasting career while earning a paycheck.

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers
LOCAL #18, AFL-CIO

Location

2201 Springdale Road
Waukesha, WI 53186

Phone: 1.262.798.1818

Email: office@smwlu18.org

Hours:

Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Earn while you learn

A Paid Apprenticeship with SMART18

Apprentices gain hands-on experience while completing technical education through Local 18 JATC's, the SMART International Training Institute and partnering technical colleges—earning a paycheck while building real-world skills.

How Much Can an Apprenticeship Earn You?

$40,000 Per Year

Starting out as a first year apprentice

$100,000+ Per Year

As a journeyworker with full benefits

Apprentices also receive:
  • Competitive wages
  • A paycheck from day one
  • Incremental raises as skill levels increase

See What an Apprenticeship Looks Like

Join Us Today
Call Us 262.798.1818

How it works

What Is the SMART18 Apprenticeship?

It’s a paid, hands-on training program that prepares you for a career in the sheet metal and HVAC trades—splitting your time between real job sites and structured classroom instruction.
Join SMART18

Most of your time is spent working alongside experienced journeyworkers—installing ductwork, fitting metal systems, assisting with HVAC equipment and learning daily tools, materials and safety practices.

You’ll also attend regular classes covering blueprint reading, layout and fabrication, welding, trade math, safety and HVAC theory—giving you both practical skills and deep trade knowledge.
The program typically lasts about five years, with steady wage increases as you progress and reach training milestones.

When you complete the SMART18 apprenticeship, you earn journeyworker status—qualifying you to work independently as a Union sheet metal worker, with top pay, full benefits and opportunities to specialize in:

  • HVAC service
  • Architectural sheet metal
  • Fabrication
  • Advanced system installation
This isn’t just a job. It’s a paid education and a future in a high-demand skilled trade.

Build for your future

Why Choose a SMART18 Apprenticeship?

A SMART18 apprenticeship is more than training—it’s a direct path to a stable, well-paid career in the sheet metal and HVAC trades.

Earn While You Learn

From day one, you’re a paid employee. Instead of taking on student debt, you build real income and real experience on active job sites.

Hands-On Training with Classroom Support

Work alongside experienced journeyworkers in the field while receiving structured classroom instruction that builds technical knowledge, safety skills and certifications.

A Clear Path to a Lifelong Career

Graduates move into journeyworker roles in HVAC, fabrication, installation, maintenance and specialized sheet metal work—opening the door to long-term advancement and earning potential.

Union Strength + Benefits

As part of SMART18, you gain access to competitive wages, healthcare, retirement benefits and a strong professional network that supports you throughout your career.

Join Today

See if you qualify

Who Can Apply?

You may be a good fit for the SMART18 apprenticeship if you meet the following requirements:

  • At least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Physically able to perform hands-on trade work
  • Able to pass required aptitude tests, interviews or screenings
No prior trade experience required.
If you’re motivated, dependable and ready to learn, you’re encouraged to apply.
Apply Today
Call Us 262.798.1818

Security for every stage of life

Membership Benefits

From a pension plan that protects your retirement and maternity benefits that support growing families to comprehensive health, dental, unemployment and sickness coverage, your Union membership ensures you and your family are protected, on and off the job.

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MULTI-EMPLOYER PENSION PLAN

A multi-employer pension plan operates when a group of employers pool their funds together to provide a pension benefit for its participants.

HEALTH INSURANCE

To safeguard them in the event of layoff or protracted illness, SMART18 members have comprehensive health and dental insurance policies as well as unemployment and sickness benefits.

MATERNITY BENEFIT

For up to 12 weeks per pregnancy, a weekly Maternity Benefit may be available to you if you are unable to work due to being pregnant or having just given birth.

Apply for the SMART18 Apprenticeship TODAY!

How Do I Get Started?

Fill out the form below and a coordinator will contact you to discuss next steps.

You can also contact one of our JATC offices directly

Area: Racine, Kenosha, Walworth
Training Coordinator: Michael Thomas
Administrative Assistant: Debora Garcia
Location: 3030 39th Ave Kenosha, WI 53144
Apprenticeship Office: (262) 632-7005
Email: ssmjac@wi.rr.com

Area: Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau
​Training Coordinator: Mark Anderson
Phone: (715) 289-3116
Email: elw.training.center@gmail.com

Training Coordinator: Aaron Krahn
Location: 1981 American Drive, Neenah, WI 54956
Coordinator Phone: (920)241-0779
Training Center Phone: (920)215-6278
​Email: foxvalleyjatc@smart18.org

Area: Sheboygan
​Training Coordinator: Matt Van Der Puy
Assistant Coordinator: John Birschbach
Phone: (920) 889-0638
Email: mvanderpuy@smwlu18.org
Email: john.birschbach328@gmail.com

Training Coordinator: Josh Frehner
Administrative Assistant: Nicole Zilles
Locations: 2201 Springdale Rd., Waukesha, WI 53186
Apprenticeship Office: (262) 798-1812
Email: jfrehner@milsmjatc.com
​Email: nzilles@milsmjatc.com

Training Coordinator: Scott Hinz
Location: 150 Communications Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Apprenticeship Office: (608) 220-4546
Email: coordinator@madisonsmjatc.org