Trade Programs: Sheet Metal Worker

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does Sheet Metal Worker do?

A sheet metal worker fabricates and installs a wide variety of construction-related items using sheet metal or plastic materials. Unlike workers in assembly line or mass production shops, a sheet metal worker requires highly specialized and up-to-date skills to accomplish the various tasks involved in the trade. Sheet metal workers use these skills in the shop and on the construction site to make and install ventilation systems, roofing, siding, eavestroughing and other products made from sheet metal and durable plastics. A sheet metal worker is trained to:

• read blueprints and work orders
• layout and develop new patterns
• trace patterns using pattern projection machines
• operate power brakes, power shears, band saws, hydraulic benders, roll formers and other machines used to cut and form metal
• use hand tools such as snips, unishears and nibblers to fashion metal
• join materials using hand tools, a closing machine, rivets, screws, soldering equipment, spot welders, or arc, oxyacetylene or hot air welding equipment
• join materials by cementing
• apply cork, rubber, felt, fiberglass, styrofoam and other materials to metal with adhesives

What skills/abilities are required?

If you enjoy creating things with your hands, are practical and results-oriented and have an interest in working with metal, consider a career as a sheet metal worker. The ongoing introduction of new materials, such as non-corrosive plastics, makes this trade especially attractive to those who welcome the challenge of constantly updating their skills. In addition to having the manual dexterity needed to do precision work, you should be able to communicate clearly and to read and follow blueprints.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

During each level of training, apprentices take some technical training. Subjects include:

• Trade-related Science, Mathematics and Communications
• Codes and Regulations
• Welding and Welding Metallurgy
• Blueprint Reading and Drafting
• Machine Set-Up and Use
• Pattern Layout, Metal Layout and Cutting
• Mechanical Properties of Metal Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
• Mensuration Joining Methods
• Material Assembly, Ductwork and Flashing
• Documents and Specifications Project Planning
• Fabrication, Assembly and Installation
• Project Coordination, Scheduling, Estimates and Tendering
• Servicing and Maintaining HVAC systems
• Metal Lagging System Controls

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required including a recommended course in Math. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Sheet Metal Worker Trade Regulation states that an employer must pay an apprentice, when not in school, at least the following percentage rates of pay based on what a certified journeyperson earns in Manitoba:

• 50 per cent during the first six months
• 55 per cent during the second six months
• 65 per cent during level two
• 75 per cent during level three
• 85 per cent during level four

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the follective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Sheet metal workers are employed in manufacturing, construction, aircraft manufacturers, metal fabrication and railways. This is a stable industry with ongoing demand for certified trades professionals.