The #1 High School and University Resource for Ontario Students
Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. In fabrication work, sheet metal workers lay out and measure pieces to specifications. They use tools such as power shears, press brakes, drill presses and computerized cutting equipment to cut and shape material. They assemble and join the pieces using various techniques such as welding and using mechanical fasteners. They work with black iron, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass, nickel, tin plate and other alloys. Some may also work with fibreglass, ceramics, plastics and other metal substitutes. Pieces may be laid out and cut in the shop and assembled on construction or industrial sites. Sheet metal workers may specialize in onsite installation, shop manufacture, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems. Those who work in installation may specialize in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), boiler lagging / vessel cladding, roofing products, architectural sheet metal, custom metal products, food service products, secondary systems for environmental projects, pneumatic conveyance or signage.

Employers in this trade include sheet metal fabrication shops, manufacturing companies of sheet metal, and air conditioning and heating contractors. Sheet metal workers may be involved in residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and construction sectors. Key attributes for people entering this trade are mechanical and mathematical aptitude, hand-eye coordination, spatial perception and manual dexterity. Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable standing, climbing, lifting and carrying. Hazards of the trade include working with sharp metal pieces, working at heights and heat from welding and cutting processes. Sheet metal workers often have to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Experienced sheet metal workers may become specialists in design and layout, estimators, supervisors or business owners.

Recently Added Resources
  • Welder

    This occupational analysis identifies tasks performed by qualified welders across Canada. A welder is a tradesperson who uses a wide variety of occupational knowledge, skills and abilities in combination with cutting, gouging and welding processes to tack and weld assemblies and fabrications within a quality control system. The welder must... More >

  • Motorcycle Mechanic

    Motorcycle mechanics work on motorcycles and other vehicles such as motor scooters and all-terrain vehicles. They assemble, diagnose, maintain and repair engines, transmissions, drive systems, steering assemblies, braking systems, chassis and suspension, electrical systems, and fuel and exhaust systems. They may specialize in repairing, rebuilding, customizing or servicing these systems... More >

  • Euclid Math Contest

    The Euclid Math Contest is an opportunity for students to have fun and to develop their mathematical problem solving ability. Details are available in the full information brochure. More >

  • Automotive Painter

    Automotive painters work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicles to their original condition following damage and subsequent auto body repair. Generally, automotive painting begins when body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive painter completes include: removing exterior trim and hardware; removing... More >

  • Volunteer Centres in Saskatchewan

    Volunteer Saskatoon 100-506 25th St East Saskatoon SK S7K 4A7 Tel: 306-975-3477 Fax: 306 244 0583 volunteersaskatoon@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca More >

  • Veterinary Colleges in Canada

    The Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3 Université de Montréal 3200, rue Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 The Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 The Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon,... More >

  • 10 tips for Daily Learning

    1. Look up a new word in the dictionary every day. Try to use it in conversation at least three times that same day. 2. Read for pleasure every day. 3. Math puzzles and tongue twisters are fun - and they help build numeracy and literacy skills as well. 4.... More >

  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

    A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >