Overview
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They are employed by sheet metal fabrication shops, sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal work contractors and various industrial sectors. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read engineering and architectural drawings, sketches and work specifications to be performed, and lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates
Develop patterns for sheet metal using computer-assisted design and drafting (CAD) software package
Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal
Operate computerized laser or plasma cutting equipment to cut sheet metal
Install and use rigging and hoisting equipment
Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, exhaust hoods, eavestroughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, material handling systems, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes
Grind and buff seams, joints and rough surfaces
Inspect product quality and installation to ensure conformance to specifications.
Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation or shop manufacture of sheet metal products, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$44,194
$62,568
$88,388
Job openings
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British Columbia
299expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three to five year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in sheet metal working is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for sheet metal workers is compulsory in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Sheet metal workers in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Sheet Metal Workers
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Sheet metal workers in B.C.
- Sheet Metal Worker Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Sheet Metal Workers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a sheet metal worker in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Sheet Metal Worker Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.