You are worth more!
See what your skills and experience could mean with SMART Local 83.
Local 83 represents skilled sheet metal workers throughout New York's Capital Region and North Country, offering better pay, better benefits, training, and career opportunities.
*Current journeyman package, effective June 1 – November 30, 2026. See full details below.
Which path fits you?
Already work in the trade
You already have valuable skills and experience. See what they could mean as a member of SMART Local 83.
Interested in learning the trade
Build your skills through structured training and paid, on-the-job learning.
Your experience can pay off
Local 83 is looking for skilled workers who are ready for greater opportunity, better pay, and a stronger future. The current journeyman package totals $82.25 per hour, including employer contributions toward pension, health and welfare, annuity, training, and more.
See what the total package looks like.
Total pay + benefit package
Full breakdown:
This figure reflects the current journeyman package for the effective period shown above and does not apply outside that classification or period. Contact Local 83 for details.
$1,000 signing bonus
Qualifying journeymen who work a minimum of six months and complete at least 1,000 hours can receive a $1,000 signing bonus. All program requirements must be met.
Hear from a Local 83 member
Local 83 member Brett talks about his journey into the union and what he would tell someone else considering the trade: “I would say just take the chance. I did, I had no construction experience before. And five years later … the money, the benefits, everything you make, and then just the camaraderie.”
Brett | SMART Local 83
More than a paycheck.
Competitive pay
Earn wages negotiated through collective bargaining.
Health coverage
Eligible members have access to health care benefits for themselves and their families.
Retirement security
Build toward retirement through pension and annuity benefits.
Free training
Strengthen your skills through apprenticeship and journeyperson upgrade training.
Union strength
Gain the support of more than 500 Local 83 members and the larger international union.
Just getting started? Earn while you learn.
A Local 83 apprenticeship can help you build the technical skills, jobsite experience, and industry knowledge needed for a long-term career in sheet metal work. The five-year program combines structured training with paid, on-the-job learning.
Earn pay while learning the trade
Progress through an established apprentice wage scale
Receive free training
Develop skills that can create opportunities for advancement
Learn with a strong focus on craftsmanship, safety, and productivity
Interest form vs. formal application
Interested in an apprenticeship? Start by telling us about yourself below. This interest form is not the formal apprenticeship application. Completing the form below is the first step — a Local 83 representative will answer your questions and help you through the application process.
Formal applicants must meet Local 83 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee requirements and be approved by the New York State Department of Labor, including:
At least 18 years old
Must meet the applicable education and math requirements
Must possess a valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation
Must complete required testing and screening if selected
All formal applications must be hand-delivered to the union office during normal business hours:
900 Commerce Drive — Clifton Park, NY 12065
What our members build
More than 500 Local 83 members support more than 30 union contractors performing many types of sheet metal work, including heating and ventilation systems; ductwork, including spiral and oval duct; testing, adjusting, and balancing systems; kitchen equipment; and skylights, cornice work, and lockers.
Where Local 83 works
Local 83 serves New York's Capital Region and North Country, including:
Take the next step today!
Complete the form below, and a Local 83 representative will contact you. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
Have questions? Your conversation with Local 83 starts privately.
Prefer to talk now?
John Shustz
518-709-3691
jshustz@smart-nerc.org
Already a SMART member?
Refer a skilled worker, and you may qualify for a $500 member referral incentive. A current SMART member can earn the $500 incentive bonus by referring a new member who goes on to work at least 60 days and complete at least 200 hours.