Description of the Sheet Metal Worker trade

“Sheet Metal Worker” is this trade's official Red Seal occupational title approved by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA). This standard covers tasks performed by sheet metal workers whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Occupational title
Occupational title NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
Sheet Metal Worker Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Tinsmith         Check Mark                

Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products and systems. In fabrication work, sheet metal workers lay out and measure pieces to specifications. They use tools such as hand tools, portable power tools and shop equipment to cut and shape material. They assemble and join the pieces with various techniques such as welding and using mechanical fasteners.

They work with black iron, galvanized steel, satin-coated steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, nickel, tin plate and other alloys. Some may also work with composites, fibreglass, ceramics and plastics.

Pieces may be laid out and cut in the shop and assembled on construction or industrial sites. Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and material handling system design, shop manufacture, and servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems. Those who work in installation may specialize in HVAC, boiler lagging/vessel cladding, roofing products, architectural sheet metal, custom metal products, food service products, secondary systems for environmental projects, pneumatic conveyance or signage.

Employers in this trade include sheet metal fabrication shops, manufacturing companies of sheet metal, installation contractors, HVAC contractors, and architectural sheet metal contractors. Sheet metal workers may be involved in residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and construction sectors.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are mechanical and mathematical aptitude, hand-eye coordination, spatial perception and manual dexterity. The work often requires considerable standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting and carrying.

Hazards of the trade include working with sharp metal pieces, at heights, around excessive noise and vibration, as well as exposure to heat and fumes. Sheet metal workers often have to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.

This standard recognizes some transferable skills between the sheet metal worker trade and other trades such as ironworkers, boilermakers, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, plumbers, insulators (heat and frost), gasfitters, oil heat system technicians, electricians, roofers, carpenters and welders.

With experience, sheet metal workers act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also become specialists in design and layout, and move into other positions such as estimators, supervisors or business owners.