Training · Apprenticeship
Become a
Sheet Metal Worker.
Sheet Metal Workers design, fabricate, install and repair sheet metal products and systems. It’s one of the most diversified trades in construction — HVAC, architectural sheet metal, metal roofing, food-service equipment, environmental controls, pneumatic conveyance, signage, and more.
01 · The work
What we actually do.
In fabrication: lay out and measure pieces to specifications, then cut, form and join them using hand tools, portable power tools, shop equipment, welding and mechanical fasteners.
On-site: install and maintain HVAC systems, boiler lagging and vessel cladding, architectural sheet metal, metal roofing, custom metal products, food-service equipment, environmental control systems, pneumatic conveyance and signage.
Sheet metal workers are employed by fabrication shops, manufacturers, installation contractors, HVAC contractors and architectural contractors across the residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and construction sectors. With experience, journeypersons can move into design and layout, estimating, supervision or business ownership.
02 · The pathway
Four years.
7,200 hours.
Sheet Metal Worker is a designated trade in NL and carries a Red Sealendorsement — recognized in every province and territory. Certification in NL is voluntary, but the Red Seal is the standard our members hold.
| Level | Pre-employment | Block-release training |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 34 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Level 2 | — | 8 weeks |
| Level 3 | — | 7 weeks |
| Level 4 | — | 6 weeks |
Atlantic Apprenticeship Curriculum Standard, 2022 (replaces 2018 NL standard)
03 · Step by step
How to become an
apprentice with 512.
01
Finish secondary school
Grade 12 (or equivalent) is the standard entrance requirement. Math, physics and shop courses help.
02
Complete the pre-employment program
Typically 34 weeks at an accredited NL institution such as Academy Canada. This satisfies the Level 1 in-school requirement.
03
Get hired by a unionized contractor
Local 512 dispatches apprentices to signatory contractors as job calls come in. Contact the hall to be added to the list.
04
Register as an apprentice
Register with the provincial Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD).
05
Log your hours
Track your hours in your apprenticeship logbook as you accumulate the 7,200 hours required.
06
Attend block-release training
Eight / eight / seven / six weeks at the end of each year. Pass each Level Exam to progress.
07
Write the Red Seal exam
When your hours are complete, write the Red Seal exam to earn your Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal endorsement — your ticket to work anywhere in Canada.
04 · Financial supports
Funding while
you train.
- 01Employment Insurance benefits during block-release training (apply through Service Canada)
- 02Canada Apprentice Loans — up to $4,000 per period of technical training, interest-free during apprenticeship
- 03Apprenticeship Incentive and Completion Grants
- 04Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy for signatory employers
Start the conversation
Call the hall.
Tell us where you’re at.
High school. Pre-employment. Already working unticketed sheet metal. Whatever stage you’re at, we’ll walk you through the next step.