Sheet Metal Workers
(NOC 7233)
in All Trades and TransportationSheet 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 Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Outlook: average, mostly balanced conditions in the labour market.
Size of the occupation: this is a medium-sized occupation with opportunities occurring mainly through turnover.
Demand: Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions. Several positions will become available due to retirements.
Unemployment: There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Work hours: full-time, normally. Jobs are either permanent or temporary, both are common.
Hourly Pay
$17.24
Minimum$29.38
Median$39.74
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,567
Minimum$40,973
Median$76,127
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
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.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$49,412 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$32,653 median annual incomeCape Breton
$45,599 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$50,307 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Manufacturing
Public administration
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
25-34
45-54
35-44
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$46,779 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,407 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$49,649 median annual incomeLess than high school
$41,461 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Apprenticeship - Sheet Metal Worker
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.