Sheet metal workers

Completion of Grade 10 is required, and completion of Grade 12 is preferred. Other training and requirements include:

• Completion of an apprenticeship program (or a combination of several years of work experience and college or industry courses in sheet metal work)
• Sheet Metal Worker is a Skilled Trades Certification trade, also known as a compulsory trade, in British Columbia. This means that to work in this trade, you must be registered as an apprentice, be a certified journeyperson, or have applied as a Trade Qualifier or Uncertified Experienced Worker.

Apprenticeship programs
Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. Some part-time and online programs may be available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Workers with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship. For more information on earning a Certificate of Qualification, visit SkilledTradesBC.

To work in other provinces

Sheet metal workers may need Red Seal certification to work in other provinces. This can be earned by passing an exam and proving significant work experience. 

Workers coming to B.C. 

Sheet metal workers who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

Sheet metal workers who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact SkilledTradesBC for more information. 

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Some sheet metal workers rely on high-rise residential building activity to generate business. Government funding for capital projects has also been an important source of construction employment.

There is a growing demand for sheet metal workers, especially in large urban areas. Sheet metal workers with specialized skills in welding are expected to have an advantage in finding work. Also, those who continue to upgrade their knowledge and skills—especially with technology and new techniques—are often more in demand. 

While this field has historically been male-dominated, there are now a growing number of sheet metal workers who identify as female.