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Architectural Cladder

Architectural cladders apply materials to the outside of buildings or structures to insulate them, make them more durable, and improve aesthetics.

Also Known As

Architectural Sheet Metal Worker, Decker, Industrial Cladder, Industrial Sider, Metal Roofer, Residential Cladder, Sheeter

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7261: Sheet Metal Workers
  • 7441: Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers

2006 NOC-S

  • H321: Sheet Metal Workers
  • H531: Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers

2011 NOC

  • 7233: Sheet metal workers
  • 7441: Residential and commercial installers and servicers

2016 NOC

  • 7233: Sheet metal workers
  • 7441: Residential and commercial installers and servicers

2021 NOC

  • 72102: Sheet metal workers
  • 73200: Residential and commercial installers and servicers

2023 OaSIS

  • 72102.00: Sheet metal workers
  • 73200.00: Residential and commercial installers and servicers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Architectural cladders apply materials such as steel, copper, brass, aluminum, fibreglass, plastic, and composite materials to buildings and structures.

In general, architectural cladders:

  • Interpret blueprints and building drawings
  • Figure out what materials to use
  • Plan tasks
  • Operate and work from mobile, elevated platforms or scaffolding
  • Install insulation, cladding, metal decking, and standing seamed roofing
  • Measure, cut, fabricate, and prepare materials for assembly
  • Fit and join cladding materials with riveting, welding, soldering, mechanical fastening, and other methods
  • Cut, drill, punch, bend, and shape sheet metal and other materials using tools such as hand and power shears, breaks, snips, laser cutters, and light metal-working equipment
  • Inspect finished products to make sure standards and quality are met
  • Keep a clean and orderly work area
  • Follow safety standards and procedures

Architectural cladders may work from verbal instructions or blueprints. They may also modify projects when problem solving onsite.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Architectural cladders work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. They make some products in a shop and install them at construction sites. Some products, such as roofing and siding, may be cut onsite.

A 40-hour workweek is normal. Overtime is sometimes needed to meet deadlines and is common on bigger commercial or industrial projects.

Architectural cladders may need to do a lot of bending, reaching, and working at heights or in cramped spaces.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Sheet metal workers
2023 OaSIS: 72102.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Residential and commercial installers and servicers
2023 OaSIS: 73200.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Architectural cladders need:

  • Patience, dependability, and accuracy
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Spatial awareness
  • The ability to visualize plans or objects in 3D
  • Manual dexterity (including hand-eye coordination)
  • Numeracy skills
  • The ability to stand for long periods
  • The ability to work in high, awkward, and noisy places
  • Attention to detail

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Sheet metal workers

2016 NOC: 7233

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 02, 2023 and Oct 29, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Fit and join sheet metal parts
Tasks: Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes
Tasks: Measure and mark sheet metal according to template
Tasks: Cut materials using power tools or by hand
Tasks: Grind and buff seams, joints and rough surfaces
Attention to detail
Team player
Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications
Work Setting: Installation
Organized

Residential and commercial installers and servicers

2016 NOC: 7441

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 114 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 03, 2025 and Oct 31, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Measure and mark guidelines to be used for installations
Tasks: Determine layout and installation procedures
Tasks: Prepare and maintain work materials and supplies
Tasks: Utilize hand and power tools
Tasks: Load and unload trucks with supplies and equipment
Team player
Tasks: Install exterior prefabricated products
Tasks: Erect and install scaffolding, falsework and other working platforms
Tasks: Install interior prefabricated products
Tasks: Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine work requirements
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Minimum Education Varies

Employers prefer to hire people with previous experience in cladding. They also look for those who have:

  • The desire to learn
  • The willingness to obey safety policies
  • English-language skills
  • A valid Class 5 driver’s licence

Construction Safety Training System (CSTS), Fall Protection, and other safety certifications are an asset.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Most architectural cladders work for:

  • Construction companies
  • Sheet metal, roofing, or insulating contractors
  • Pre-engineered metal-building contractors
  • Fabrication workshops

Since most architectural cladders in Alberta work in construction, their job prospects change along with economic conditions.

Experienced architectural cladders may specialize in design and layout. Or they may focus on estimating. They may advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses.

Ironworker (Metal Building Systems Erector) is an occupational trade that is similar but works with heavier steel members. For more information, see the Ironworker profile.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sheet metal workers
2016 NOC: 7233

87.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

Residential and commercial installers and servicers
2016 NOC: 7441

80.3% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sheet metal workers
2021 NOC: 72102
Warm
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB
Residential and commercial installers and servicers
2021 NOC: 73200
Balanced
Job Market
8,300
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sheet metal workers
2016 NOC: 7233
2.3%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
44
New Positions
Residential and commercial installers and servicers
2016 NOC: 7441
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
185
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2025

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Residential and commercial installers and servicers

2021 NOC: 73200
Average Wage
$30.59
Per Hour
Average Salary
$61,258.00
Per Year
Average Hours
41.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
10.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 73200 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $36.00 $25.21 $25.00
Overall $23.08 $40.00 $30.59 $30.00
Top $28.00 $54.09 $37.92 $36.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
63%
63%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
64%
64%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
11%
11%
Vacancy Rate
4%

Sheet metal workers

2021 NOC: 72102
Average Wage
$35.98
Per Hour
Average Salary
$75,844.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 72102 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $39.80 $31.52 $36.00
Overall $23.00 $42.60 $35.98 $36.00
Top $32.45 $47.00 $39.11 $39.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
62%
62%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
56%
56%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
20%
20%
Vacancy Rate
7%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Alberta Construction Association website: albertaconstruction.net

Alberta Cladding and Decking Association website: www.ac-da.com

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2025. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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