Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$2,000 to CA$6,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 4 years
Issued by Red Seal Program (provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities)
Required in some provinces: Certification is compulsory to work in the trade in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia; elsewhere it is voluntary or not offered.
About
Sheet metal workers cut, bend, shape and join thin metal to make ducts, roofing, cladding, flashing and many other products. They read drawings, take measurements and work in shops and on building sites. The work is hands-on and detailed.
In Canada, the trade is certified through the provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities. Each one issues a certificate of qualification. If you also pass the interprovincial Red Seal exam, you earn the Red Seal endorsement, which is recognised in every province and territory. This makes it easier to take your skills to a new part of the country. Certification is required by law to work in the trade in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. In other places it is voluntary or not offered, but it still shows employers that you meet a national standard.
How to get it
Find an employer
Most people start by finding an employer who will take them on as an apprentice. Some people first take a short pre-employment or introductory trades program to improve their chances.
Register as an apprentice
Register with the apprenticeship authority in your province or territory. They will explain the rules for your region and keep track of your progress.
Learn on the job
Work under a certified sheet metal worker and build your skills on real projects. You record your hours and the tasks you have learned in a logbook or similar record.
Complete technical training
Attend the in-school training that goes with your apprenticeship. It usually happens in blocks and covers drawings, layout, materials, safety and trade math.
Pass the certification exam
When you have finished the required work experience and training, you write the final exam. Passing it earns your certificate of qualification and the Red Seal endorsement.
Work or train as a journeyperson
Once certified, you can work as a journeyperson. Some people go on to supervise others, train apprentices or start their own business.
The exam
The final exam is a written, multiple-choice test based on the national standard for the trade. It covers areas such as layout and fabrication, installation, safety and tools. You study for it during your apprenticeship, and many people review in the weeks before the exam. Your apprenticeship authority will tell you how to book it and what to bring.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Compulsory in: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia. Each province and territory sets its own rules for the trade. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, you must be certified or registered as an apprentice to work in the trade. In other places, certification is voluntary or not offered. Training length, fees and program details also vary. The Red Seal endorsement is recognised across the country, so it helps you move between regions.
Careers that mention it
No Canadian career on the site names this yet.
Keeping it
Renewal rules depend on where you live. Some provinces and territories ask you to renew your certification or trade licence on a regular schedule and may charge a renewal fee. Others do not require renewal once you are certified. Check with your local apprenticeship authority so your status stays current.