Sheet Metal Workers

Nature of work

Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They are employed by sheet metal fabrication shops, sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal work contractors and various industrial sectors. 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.

Job duties

Sheet metal workers perform some or all of the following duties:

• 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.
• Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal.
• Operate 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 fabricate products such as 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 ensure conformance to 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

For these jobs, you should have physical stamina, agility, and coordination, and be capable of climbing, reaching, crouching, and handling heavy materials. Although most of the work is done indoors, you must be willing to work outdoors and at heights. You must be able to read blueprints and drafting specifications and perform basic mathematical calculations.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school is usually required.
• Completion of a three to five year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in sheet metal working is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
• Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified sheet metal workers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Other considerations

Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions, and many jobs are on a project basis. As a result, workers in these jobs should expect periods of unemployment throughout the year, with employment peaking in the summer months. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time.

Technology is impacting the skill levels required for this group. New materials and different installation techniques and joining methods require an upgrading of skills for some sheet metal workers. Also, the increased use of computer-controlled equipment is transforming the skills required for this group. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts

There are currently no job postings for this occupation.