Become an Apprentice

A sheet metal worker is a skilled tradesperson who designs, fabricates, assembles, installs, and repairs sheet metal products and structures, such as ductwork, roofing, and siding. Sheet metal workers need to be able to read blueprints and shop drawings to lay out and measure pieces to specification. A variety of heavy equipment and tools are used by sheet metal workers. 

Working Conditions:

Sheet metal workers can work on large commercial or industrial construction projects or can work in fabricating shops. Worksites can be both indoors and outdoors and often loud or dirty. 

Sheet metal work can be physically demanding, as workers may have to lift heavy materials, do a lot of walking or climbing, and perform repetitive movements. 

Sheet metal workers are trained to work safely and wear special equipment to help protect themselves from injuries. 

Sheet metal workers can be specialized in

• Onsite Installations
• Shop Manufacturing,
• Service and Maintenance

Sheet Metal Apprentice Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• High school diploma or GED
• Grade 12 technical math
• Resume and transcripts
• SIN card, or a T4
• Training agreement (if you already have one)

Apprenticeship programs involve both classroom studies, and on the job training under the supervision of a certified sheet metal worker (journeyperson). 

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and are paid wages while you work. (link to wage rates page) As apprentices progress through the training program, their wage increases with them. 

The apprenticeship program for sheet metal workers is 9000 hours (approximately 5 years) which consists of 8280 hours of on-the-job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training. School training is structured in 3-8 week blocks at The Ontario Metal Workers Training Centre (osmwtc.com)

At the end of the program, all apprentices take a government-administered test. Once passed, you earn a Certificate of Qualification. Certification for sheet metal workers is compulsory in Ontario; the requires sheet metal workers to be either registered apprentices, or certified journeypersons.