Sheet Metal Worker National Occupational Analysis (NOA) 2015
The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis as the national standard for the occupation of Sheet Metal Worker.
2015 – Occupational Analyses Series
Disponible en français sous le titre : Ferblantier/ferblantière
NOC: 7233
Designation Year: 1958
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General Information
Scope
“Sheet metal worker” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by sheet metal workers whose occupational title has been identified by provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:
|
NL |
NS |
PE |
NB |
QC |
ON |
MB |
SK |
AB |
BC |
NT |
YT |
NU |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sheet Metal Worker |
x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |
|
Tinsmith |
x |
Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. Design work covers primarily residential HVAC systems, as commercial and industrial systems are normally engineered by others. In fabrication work, sheet metal workers lay out and measure pieces to specifications. They use tools such as power shears, press brakes, drill presses and computerized cutting equipment to cut and shape material. They assemble and join the pieces with various techniques such as welding and using mechanical fasteners.
They work with black iron, galvanized steel, satin-coated steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass, nickel, tin plate and other alloys. Some may also work with fibreglass, ceramics, plastics and other metal substitutes.
Pieces may be laid out and cut in the shop and assembled on construction or industrial sites. Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation, shop manufacture, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems. Those who work in installation may specialize in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), boiler lagging / vessel cladding, roofing products, architectural sheet metal, custom metal products, food service products, secondary systems for environmental projects, pneumatic conveyance or signage.
Employers in this trade include sheet metal fabrication shops, manufacturing companies of sheet metal, and air conditioning and heating contractors. Sheet metal workers may be involved in residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and construction sectors.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are mechanical and mathematical aptitude, hand-eye coordination, spatial perception and manual dexterity. The work often requires considerable standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting and carrying.
Hazards of the trade include working with sharp metal pieces, at heights, around excessive noise and vibration, as well as exposure to heat and fumes. Sheet metal workers often have to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
There may be overlaps with other trades such as ironworkers, boilermakers, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, insulators, gasfitters, oil burner mechanics, roofers, carpenters and welders. Experienced sheet metal workers may become specialists in design and layout, estimators, supervisors or business owners.
Occupational Observations
Much of the equipment used by sheet metal workers has remained the same. However, some have become computer-controlled and motorized to minimize human error and improve efficiency.
Workplaces have become safer because of an increase in training and legislated safety practices and procedures. There is a greater awareness of the importance of job safety. For example, practices such as safety committees and weekly safety meetings are well-established.
Clients are more inclined to promote the use of environmentally friendly products and processes in their buildings. Environmental considerations are modifying building methods to reduce energy use and taking advantage of alternate energy sources. For instance, “green roofs” are becoming more common. Plastic and new alloys are being used for venting and will continue to become more prevalent with the continued effort to increase fuel efficiency in all gas burning appliances. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects are becoming more prevalent in this trade which have led to the use of different products such as solar panels/walls and reflective surfaces, and different building processes. For instance, these standards impact the removal and recycling of construction materials, collection and control of dust and limiting of solvents and other chemicals. Also, environmental upgrading and maintenance on existing systems is a developing trend in the trade.
Essential Skills Summary
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change. Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.
A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:
- understand how essential skills are used in the trades;
- learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
- improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.
Tools are available online or for order at: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/tools/index.shtml.
The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the competency statements which support each subtask of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile. A link to the complete essential skills profile can be found at www.red-seal.ca.
Reading
Sheet metal workers require reading skills to gather information from forms and labels. They also need to read to understand more complex texts such as equipment and policy and procedure manuals, specifications, codes and standards.
Document Use
Document use is a significant essential skill for this trade. Sheet metal workers need to be able to locate and interpret information in several types of documents such as labels, signs, forms, lists, tables, technical drawings and schematics. They also need to create documents such as orthographic projections, sketches and work forms.
Writing
Writing skills are used by sheet metal workers to write short texts, usually less than one paragraph. Some examples of written work include safety documentation, logbook entries, invoices, forms and summaries of work projects.
Oral Communication
Some tasks performed by sheet metal workers require oral communication skills, including discussing project requirements with suppliers, discussing specifications and plans with co-workers, supervisors and general contractors, and supervising and directing the work of apprentices. They may explain the fabrication, construction, installation and repair procedures to customers as well.
Numeracy
Numeracy skills are very important in the everyday work of sheet metal workers. Substantial mathematical skills are used in taking measurements, doing material layout, using formulas and performing trade calculations such as heat loss, air flows, capacities and air pressures. Sheet metal workers may create project timelines, calculating time requirements for tasks in the project. They may also calculate amounts for supplies, estimates and overall costs.
Thinking Skills
Sheet metal workers solve problems in situations where work may be delayed due to equipment breakdowns and shortages in materials. They may suggest modifications to project designs to correct flaws. They need the ability to think spatially and visualize in three dimensions.
Working with Others
Sheet metal workers coordinate job tasks and share tools, workspace and equipment with small groups of co-workers and colleagues. Those working in fabrication shops may work alone on small projects, and also work as members of a team on larger projects. During installation work, tasks must be coordinated with other tradespersons such as crane operators, carpenters, drywall finishers and plasterers, bricklayers, plumbers and electricians.
Digital Technology
Sheet metal workers may use computers and computer-assisted design (CAD) software in their work. They may also use computers to perform word processing and electronic communication devices to communicate with others or perform Internet research to stay current about industryrelated topics. Increasingly sheet metal workers are required to have digital skills when performing daily tasks which may require the use of numerically-controlled equipment, and electronic tools and to access electronic data.
Continuous Learning
Sheet metal workers are required to stay current with new product developments, codes and standards including safety, as well as changes in installation and production processes.
Acknowledgements
The CCDA and ESDC wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.
Special acknowledgement is extended by ESDC and the CCDA to the following representatives of the trade, and the apprenticeship bodies or national organizations that nominated them.
- Jonn Akister - Saskatchewan
- Jean-Francois Bergeron - Quebec
- David Creelman - Nova Scotia
- Dwayne Keough - Prince Edward Island
- Gabriel LeBlanc - New Brunswick
- Kevin Melsted - Manitoba
- Cleo Rowein - Alberta
- Andrew Scanlon - Ontario
This analysis was prepared by the Labour Market Integration Directorate of ESDC. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division. The host jurisdiction of Ontario also participated in the development of this NOA.
Comments or questions about National Occupational Analyses may be forwarded to:
Trades and Apprenticeship Division
Labour Market Integration Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 5th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0J9
Email: redseal-sceaurouge@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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