Sheet Metal Worker

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

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Duties and Working Conditions
Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
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Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, assemble, install, and repair the sheet metal products required in a wide variety of industries and settings.Sheet metal workers 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, and
custom or small run fabrication of a variety of sheet metal items.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices, and
Certified Journeypersons.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Trade Updates

The sheet metal worker trade became a dual certification trade in September with the addition of gasfitter - Class B content and exams. Refer to Sheet Metal Worker FYI (May 2017).

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for a sheet metal worker is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of classroom instruction each year. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Sheet Metal Worker are: A minimum of 72 months AND 9,000 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. Two successful practical exams: Exam A ($110.00) and Exam B ($110.00). Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Sheet Metal Worker are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam. Two successful practical exams: Exam A ($110.00 and Exam B ($110.00).

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for a sheet metal worker is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Sheet Metal Worker are:

A minimum of 72 months AND 9,000 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
Two successful practical exams:
- Exam A ($110.00) and
- Exam B ($110.00).

Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Sheet Metal Worker are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.
Two successful practical exams:
- Exam A ($110.00 and
- Exam B ($110.00).

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Gasfitter - Class A Gasfitter - Class B Insulator (Heat and Frost)

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Gasfitter - Class A
Gasfitter - Class B
Insulator (Heat and Frost)

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order

Trades in Alberta