Fanshawe Career Guide
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Sheet Metal Apprentice (Block Release) [Apprenticeship] SMA


This is a block release program, meaning that apprentices take an 8 week break from work to attend classes full time at the college. During these blocks of classes, you will have:

  • 240 hours of class (30hrs per week for 8 weeks)
  • Half an hour of study/assignments required for each hour in class
  • 45 hr/week commitment minimum

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through the Ontario Colleges Application Service. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. For more information on the process, please see please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website.

Arts & Literacy Grade 12 English would be good preparation for this program.

Math & Science Good math skills are needed, grade 12 math and science are recommended.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal for course material).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Eye-hand coordination, spatial and form perception, and manual dexterity
  • The ability to visualize a finished product from a drawing
  • Patience, dependability and accuracy

Useful background experience for this program would be

G3/G2 license, welding experience and high school shop classes.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker, Sheet Metal Fabricator, Sheet Metal Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, or Tinsmith.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Sheet metal, air conditioning and heating contractors involved in residential, commercial and industrial construction; work in shops with related trades; or self-employed. Some are employed by roofing contractors to install flashing and coping.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

  • Work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather
  • Make products in a shop and install them at construction sites or measure and cut at the construction site
  • A 40 hour work week is normal but overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines
  • Considerable bending, reaching, working at heights or in cramped spaces may be required
  • Lifting and moving items that weigh over 20 kilograms also may be required

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

  • Read engineering and architectural drawings and sketches of 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 metal working machines such as shears, brakes, punches and drill presses to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal
  • Operate computerized laser or plasma cutting equipment to cut sheet metal
  • Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveter, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, eaves troughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, 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

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general

Links to learn more about this apprenticeship program

  • Employment Ontario Info sheet on Sheet Metal Workers
  • Ontario Sheet Metal Contractors Association (OSMCA)
  • Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA.ca)
  • Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA)
  • Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

See also this Employment Ontario document outlining career prospects for Sheet Metal Workers.

NOC Codes

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

  • NOC Code 7233 Sheet metal workers

The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.

Career Outlook

Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.

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Last Modified: June 5, 2024