Sheet Metal Worker

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

2006 NOC-S

• H321: Sheet Metal Workers

2011 NOC

• 7233: Sheet metal workers

2016 NOC

• 7233: Sheet metal workers

2021 NOC

• 72102: Sheet metal workers

2023 OaSIS

• 72102.00: Sheet metal workers

Sheet metal workers use many types of metal including black and galvanized steel, copper, brass, nickel, stainless steel, and aluminum to make products such as:

• Pollution control systems, dust collection and control systems, air-slides, grain spouts, material blowers, air-veyors and other air systems
• Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
• Solar heating and cooling systems and all integral equipment
• Metal showcases, display neon and metal signs
• Metal cabinets, custom built tables, counters and fixtures for hospitals, kitchen equipment and items for the food service and beverage industry
• Electrical panels and related equipment
• Dairy, brewery and laboratory equipment
• Metal shelving, lockers, window frames, metal doors and frames, toilet partitions
• Flashing, coping, troughing and roof drainage systems
• Custom or small fabrication runs of sheet metal items

On occasion, sheet metal workers substitute fibreglass or plastic for metals.

In general, sheet metal workers:

• Lay out, measure and mark dimensions and reference lines on sheet metal according to drawings or templates
• Use laser or plasma cutting equipment, numerically-controlled or computerized equipment, hand and power shears and snips, and light metal-working equipment to cut, drill, punch, bend and shape sheet metal
• Fasten components together using bolts, screws, cement, rivets, or adhesives, and using methods such as soldering and welding
• Install and repair sheet metal products and ensure installations conform to specifications and building codes
• Do metal cladding of insulated piping and equipment on industrial sites
• Manufacture and install flashing and coping for roofing applications
• Supply, install, service and repair air handling equipment, furnaces, fans, air terminal devices and split system air conditioners

Sheet metal workers may work from verbal instructions or blueprints, or design small jobs themselves.

Sheet metal workers work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. They make some products in a shop and install them at construction sites. Other products such as roofing and siding have to be measured and cut at the construction site.

A 40-hour workweek is normal, but overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines.

Sheet metal workers have to stand for long periods and do considerable bending and reaching. Their work environment can be noisy and in high or cramped spaces. They may have to lift and move items weighing over 25 kilograms.

Most sheet metal workers are employed by sheet metal, air conditioning and heating contractors involved in residential, commercial and industrial construction. A few are self-employed or work in shops with related trades. Some find work with roofing contractors, installing flashing and coping.

Since most sheet metal workers in Alberta work in the construction industry, their employment prospects change when the economy changes.

Experienced sheet metal workers may become specialists in design and layout work, or in estimating the cost of installations. They may advance to supervisory positions or go into business for themselves.

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.

In the 7233: Sheet metal workers occupational group, 87.6% of people work in:

• Construction
• Manufacturing

Employment Outlook

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

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• 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, the 7233: Sheet metal workers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

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