Sheet Metal Worker

Note: This trade is transitioning to a Pan-Canadian Harmonized program, so it is important that Apprentices understand how that impacts their program path. Details on the transition can be found via the Industry Training Authority, or contact your trainer for the most current updates.

Sheet Metal Workers design, fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products, including such things as ducts, pipes, gutters, cabinets, flashings and supporting devices involving heating, air conditioning, roofing, restaurant, and hospital equipment. They read engineering and architectural drawings, sketches and work specifications, then lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates. They may also develop patterns for sheet metal using Computer-Assisted Design and Drafting (CADD) software.

Sheet Metal Workers 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, then use welding equipment to join sheets of metal and must have knowledge of the specialized welding techniques used for the many different metal alloys they will encounter. Jobs in this field are frequently tied to the construction sector.

Sheet Metal Worker is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.