Sheet Metal Fabricator

NOC (National Occupational Classification)

  • NOC 7233 Sheet Metal Workers

Who am I?

Sheet metal fabricators, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products, including duct work and other materials required by those working in HVACR.  They are employed by sheet metal fabrication shops or sheet metal products manufacturing companies and HVACR contractor companies. 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.

Other Titles

Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet Metal Mechanic
Sheet Metal Worker
Tinsmith

Essential Skills

Essential Skills are not the technical skills required by particular occupations but rather the skills applied in all occupations. These skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and apply to careers in HVACR. See Employment and Social Develoment Canada for more details.

The most important Essential Skills for Sheet Metal Workers are:

  • Document Use – Ability to understand assembly diagrams  or create sketches to illustrate the placements of fittings and ductwork
  • Numeracy -  Using measurement  and math calculations to determine the quantity of materials needed for fabrication or use geometric construction methods to change flat pieces cut into three dimensional structures
  • Thinking Skills - Problem solving in work with contractors, designers, suppliers and customers to prioritize work schedules, time lines and budgeting.

Interested in seeing how Essential Skills are applied in this career? Download Essential Skills Application: Sheet Metal Fabricator

What do I do?

As a Sheet Metal Fabricator you may do some of the following:

  • Correctly interpret assembly diagrams. Reads engineering and architectural drawings, sketches and work specifications to be performed.
  • 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
  • Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes
  • Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveting, welding, soldering, etc. to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, air and heat ducts, material handling systems.

Employment/Training

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required to become a licensed sheet metal mechanic
  • Apprenticeship - 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 compulsory in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
  • Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified sheet metal workers.