Sheet Metal Workers

Nature of work

Sheet metal workers design, make, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and parts. They work for sheet metal fabrication shops, sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal work contractors and various industrial sectors.

Job duties

Sheet metal workers:

• Read engineering and architectural drawings, sketches, and work specifications to be performed, and lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates.
• Develop patterns for sheet metal using computer-assisted design and drafting (CAD) software package.
• Use light metalworking machines like shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal.
• Use computerized laser or plasma cutting equipment to cut sheet metal.
• Install and use rigging and hoisting equipment.
• Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment to produce products like ventilation shafts, exhaust hoods, eavestroughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, material handling systems, roof decking and sheet metal buildings.
• Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes.
• Grind and buff seams, joints, and rough surfaces.
• Inspect product quality and installation to make sure they meet specifications.

Sample job titles

• construction sheet metal worker
• industrial sheet metal worker
• maintenance sheet metal worker
• sheet metal fabricator
• sheet metal installer
• sheet metal mechanic
• sheet metal roofer
• sheet metal worker

Skills

• mechanical and mathematical aptitude
• hand-eye coordination
• spatial perception and manual dexterity
• ability to work at heights
• patience, dependability, and accuracy
• physical stamina
• agility and coordination
• capable of climbing, reaching, crouching and handling materials
• ability to read blueprints and drafting specifications
• communication skills

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option: 10,800 hours and other criteria.
• Certification for sheet metal workers is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for sheet metal workers.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Setting: indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. They make some products in a shop and install them at construction sites. Other products like siding and roofing need to be cut and measured at the construction site.
• Noisy work environment and in high or cramped spaces. Considerable standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting and carrying is common. Workers may need to lift and move heavy items.
• The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time.
• Although most of the work is done indoors, you must be willing to work outdoors and at heights.
• Work hours: 40-hour workweek, but overtime may be required to meet deadlines.
• Risks: working with sharp metal pieces, at heights, around loud noise and vibration, and exposure to heat and fumes.
• Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation or shop manufacture of sheet metal products, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems.
• New materials and different installation techniques and joining methods require upgrading of skills for some sheet metal workers. The increased use of computer-controlled equipment is transforming the skills required for this group.
• Experienced 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.
• Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts