Overview
Train to design, fabricate, assemble and install sheet metal products, including heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in a wide range of industries and settings.
This 15-week pre-employment program covers the same material delivered in the first-period Sheet Metal apprenticeship program.
Students will use many types of metals, such as black and galvanized steel, copper, brass, nickel and stainless steel, aluminum and tin plate. Some of the products include dust collecting and control systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, metal cabinets, flashing, coping, troughing and roof drainage systems.
Students will also work from verbal instructions or blueprints or design small jobs themselves.
Is this the right fit for me?
Sheet metal workers work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Considerable bending, reaching, working at heights or in cramped spaces may be required.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for first-year apprenticeship.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in residential, commercial and industrial construction and are prepared to become indentured sheet metal worker apprentices.
Potential career progression includes:
- sheet metal worker journeyperson
- specializing in design and layout work
- estimator
- supervisory positions
Related careers include:
- aircraft structures technician
- recreational vehicle (RV) service technician


Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,986
Year 1: $6,448
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications are accepted until the program start date.
Admission Requirements
- Applications are accepted until the program start date.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, Math 10-3, Pure Math 10, or Applied Math 10,
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
- A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 2) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: Four Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Pre-Employment Sheet Metal and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Program Outline
Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
HVAC-207 | Indoor Air Quality | 1.5 |
HVAC-208 | Residential Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Drawings | 3.0 |
HVAC-209 | Residential Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Fabrication | 3.0 |
HVAC-211 | Residential Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Installations | 3.0 |
PMKG-203 | Simple Layout Development | 1.5 |
SHMT-209 | Sheet Metal Workplace Skills | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 15.0 |
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- Rocky Mountain College
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $ 5,800 | $186 | - | - | $ 5,986 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $86
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: N/A
- Dental Plan: N/A
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $6,206 | $242 | $- | $- | $6,448 |
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $92
Universal transit pass (UPass): N/A
Student support fee: $75
Student technology fee: $75
Saitsa fee: N/A
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: N/A
- Dental Plan: N/A
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
- Solid Wi-Fi connection at home
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.preemp@sait.ca