Sheet metal is a compulsory trade in BC, and very few public schools teach it. Here is the route and the current listings.
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble and install products made from sheet metal, such as ductwork, roofing, flashing and signs. The work can be mostly shop fabrication or mostly site installation (SkilledTradesBC). A lot of it is HVAC ductwork, so it sits close to the refrigeration trade.
| Levels | Foundation, then Apprenticeship Levels 1–4 |
|---|---|
| Technical training (school) | 32 weeks over 4 years |
| Work-based training (on the job) | 6,240 hours |
| Certification | Red Seal |
| Compulsory in BC? | Yes |
Sheet metal is a compulsory trade in BC. Under Skilled Trades Certification, anyone doing sheet metal work must be a registered apprentice, a certified journeyperson, or have applied as a Trade Qualifier or Uncertified Experienced Worker (SkilledTradesBC). Read the Skilled Trades Certification rules before you take paid work.
With only a few school listings province-wide, many apprentices travel for their school blocks. Look at the dates in the table before you commit to a sponsor in a different region.
Fees as each school publishes them.
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Sheet Metal Apprentice levels · Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 8 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 3): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Closed; Feb 8, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Open +2 more (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Sheet Metal Worker Foundation Foundation · Sheet Metal Worker — Foundation | 21 weeks | Not published | Books & supplies / $685 (general estimated cost, and subject to change) (source) | Program page |
| Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Surrey, Langley Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) Designation current to December 2026 (Surrey); confirm with SkilledTradesBC. | Apprenticeship Training Apprentice levels · Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | Not published | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camosun College Interurban | Metal/Welding Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 8 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 2): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 3): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Interurban, Level 4): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 2 $697.50 Level 3 Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 1 Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $926.00 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation, Certificate Foundation · Sheet Metal Worker — Foundation | 30 weeks | Not published | Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation, Certificate / $3,622 (domestic) (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 4): Limited/WL; Mar 2, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 3): Limited/WL; Mar 15, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 1): Limited/WL (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $1,395 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,395 Domestic students / $1,395 Collapse all / Level 1 - estimate: $1,395 Tuition / $1,055 College anciliary fees / $256 … (source) | Program page |
Find a sponsor (usually an employer), register together on the SkilledTradesBC Portal, then complete 32 weeks of school and 6,240 work hours and pass the certification exam (70% pass mark, up to 4 attempts). In sheet metal, foundation training is optional and may count as Level 1. Full walkthrough: how to register an apprenticeship; rules from SkilledTradesBC.
Foundation (optional)Usually a few months full-time. The length is on each school’s page in the table above.
Apprenticeship32 weeks of technical training spread over 4 years, in blocks of school between work periods
Work-based training6,240 hours with your sponsor
CertificationExam with a 70% pass mark and up to 4 attempts. Trade Qualifiers must pass within 24 months of approval.
Program length per SkilledTradesBC trade pages. Exam rules per SkilledTradesBC.
Fees as sheet metal schools publish them; tools and student fees are usually extra.
| Item | Published amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Books and supplies · British Columbia Institute of Technology | Books & supplies: $685 (general estimated cost, and subject to change) | school page |
| Foundation program · Camosun College | Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation, Certificate: $3,622 (domestic) | school page |
| One apprentice level · Okanagan College | Domestic students: $1,395 estimated cost per level | school page |
| Certification exam as a Trade Qualifier (challengers only) | $120 application, which includes your first attempt. The 2nd attempt is free; the 3rd and 4th cost $100 each. | SkilledTradesBC |
Job Bank wages for Sheet metal workers in British Columbia (2023–2024 reference period; Job Bank wage report). These figures cover journeypersons only, not apprentices. See also BC trades salaries.
EI, loans, grants and tool deductions for apprentices: apprentice funding in BC.
Not required. A sheet metal apprentice can start at Level 1 as soon as a sponsor signs on. The optional foundation course mostly helps you get hired, and it usually earns Level 1 credit.
Yes. Sheet metal work in BC falls under Skilled Trades Certification, and each journeyperson may supervise no more than 2 apprentices. See the compulsory-trade box above.
If your sheet metal hours are enough, apply as a Trade Qualifier ($120 in the cost table). With fewer hours, a level challenge exam may fit better.
Most sheet metal apprentices who qualify for EI can claim it during school blocks. Ask WorkBC Apprentice Services for your reference code up to 4 weeks before class begins.
SkilledTradesBC lists 32 weeks of technical training over 4 years and 6,240 work-based hours. Starting with a foundation course lengthens the path a little, though it may give Level 1 credit.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.