Sheet Metal Worker

Learn how to design, fabricate, assemble, install and repair the sheet metal products required in a wide variety of industries and settings.

If you desire a career where you will work with your hands and develop special skills that can be used in a variety of industries, you will enjoy working as a sheet metal worker. 

During your career, you will:

• layout, measure and mark dimensions and reference lines on sheet metal according to drawings or templates
• use laser or plasma cutting equipment, numerically-controlled or computerized equipment, hand and power shears and snips and light metal-working equipment to cut, drill or punch, bend and shape sheet metal
• fasten with bolts, screws, cement, rivets, adhesives, solder or by welding
• install and repair sheet metal products and ensure installations conform to specifications and building codes
• do metal cladding of insulated piping and equipment on industrial sites
• manufacture and install flashing, coping for roofing applications and supply, install, service and repair air handling equipment, furnaces, fans, air terminal devices and split system air conditioners.

You will use many types of metal including black and galvanized steel, copper, brass, nickel, stainless steel and aluminum to make products such as:

• pollution control systems, dust collecting and control systems, air-slide, grain spouting material blowing, air-veyor and other air systems
• heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
• solar heating and cooling systems and all integral equipment
• metal showcases, display neon and metal sign equipment
• metal cabinets, custom-built tables, counters and fixtures for hospitals, kitchen equipment and items for the food service and beverage industry
• electrical panels and related equipment
• dairy, brewery and laboratory equipment
• metal shelving, lockers, window frames, metal doors and frames, toilet partitions
• flashing, coping, troughing and roof drainage systems
• custom or small run fabrication of a variety of sheet metal items.

This is a compulsory trade - to work in this trade you need to hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice.

You will also be credited with a Gas B license at the end of your training which allows you to install and service all gas appliances 4,000 BTU's and under as well as install air conditioners 5 tons and under.

Is this the right fit for me?

Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the sheet metal trade:

• mechanical aptitude
• good eye-hand coordination, spatial and form perception, good eyesight, strength and stamina to carry heavy tools and manual dexterity
• the ability to visualize a finished product from a document
• a good understanding of practical mathematics, geometry, and document reading
• the ability to stand for long periods
• patience, dependability and accuracy
• the ability to work in a construction or shop environment
• good communication skills
• the ability to work alone or as a team
• a commitment to safe working conditions

Credentials

Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Sheet metal workers are a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada. 

Alberta sheet metal apprenticeship programs include gasfitter - class B certification. This means sheet metal apprentices will have the interprovincial Red Seal gasfitter - class B exam as part of their fourth-period assessment.