A credit credential encompasses courses that have post-secondary credit attached. These credits will count towards your specific program and may be recognized by SAIT or another post-secondary institution. The types of credit credentials available include bachelor’s degrees, applied degrees, diplomas, certificates, and post-diploma certificates.
Bachelor Degree
SAIT provides bachelor’s degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management. Typically lasting four years, these programs can take up to 10 academic years to complete.
Applied Degree
Applied degree programs at SAIT involve one year of classroom study and lab work, followed by practical training in a work setting. These programs are designed for individuals with a recognized two-year diploma and can be completed within seven academic years.
Diploma
SAIT offers over 40 full-time diploma programs in a range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism. Most diploma programs have a duration of two years, with a maximum completion time of seven academic years.
Certificate
Certificate programs at SAIT cover fields such as sciences, health, and trades. These programs are shorter than diplomas and must be finished within five years.
Post-Diploma Certificate
Programs like these are focused on enhancing skills gained through a degree or diploma, blending classroom learning with practical experience. Many of these programs can be completed in a year or less.
It’s important to carefully consider your educational goals and career aspirations when choosing a credit credential program. Whether you’re looking to further your skills in a specific field or advance your career prospects, SAIT offers a variety of options to help you achieve your goals.
Journeyperson
A certified journeyperson is someone recognized as skilled in a trade, entitled to the associated pay and benefits. Achieving this designation requires completing apprenticeship periods and passing exams.
In addition to having the skills and knowledge in a particular trade, journeypersons often play a vital role in mentoring and training apprentices. They are also responsible for keeping up with current industry standards and practices to maintain their certification.
Journeypersons are highly respected in their field and are typically sought after for their expertise and experience. They may also have opportunities to advance to higher positions, such as supervisory roles or starting their own business.
Non-credit credentials
Non-credit credentials are programs designed for personal or professional development purposes and do not offer post-secondary credits. They cannot be used towards higher credentials or for transferring credits to other institutions.
Certificate of Achievement
Certificates of achievement signify successful completion of a program with over 144 course hours, providing a broad range of skills. Completion of these certificates must be done within three years from July 1, 2022.
Certificate of Completion
Certificates of completion are shorter programs with 30 to 143 course hours. Completion of these certificates must also be within three years from July 1, 2022.
Professional Certificate
Program certificates indicate the completion of a minimum one-year program with specific admission criteria.
Micro-credential
Micro-credentials recognize proficiency in non-credit courses, focusing on mastering specific skills and awarded with digital badges.
Enhance your skills and expand your knowledge with our non-credit credential programs. These programs are perfect for individuals looking to improve their skills or advance their careers without pursuing a traditional degree. With a variety of options to choose from, you can find a program that fits your interests and goals.
Location
Program location refers to where classes will take place, whether on-campus, online, or a combination of both. International students have specific criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permit program eligibility.
It is important for international students to clarify the location of their program as it can impact their eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Students enrolled in programs that are entirely online may not be eligible for a work permit after graduation. It is advisable for international students to confirm with their institution whether their program qualifies for the work permit before making any decisions regarding their study location.
Apprentice training delivery
Blended learning delivery integrates on-campus and online activities. Standard class delivery is exclusively on campus. Block release involves set dates for study periods. The Weekly Apprenticeship Training System (WATS) delivery model includes shorter segments over time while working full-time.
Professional sheet metal workers create sturdy products for various uses, requiring teamwork, physical effort, and solid math skills.
Skills Acquired
- Interpretation of engineering and architectural drawings
- Precision measurement and marking of sheet metal
- Creation of sheet metal patterns using CAD software
- Operation of laser or plasma-cutting machinery
- Assembly and joining of sheet metal components
Main Job Skills
- Pattern design and development
- Fabrication techniques
- Installation of air handling systems
- Maintenance of service equipment
Technical Training
To gain technical training and certification, individuals must participate in specific programs at accredited training providers, along with on-the-job training.
Further details regarding updates on trades certification can be found on relevant websites.
Sheet metal workers manufacture, assemble, install, and fix various sheet metal products.
They lay out, measure, and mark sheet metal, utilizing computerized tools to bend, straighten, or cut the material. Sheet metal workers also weld sheet metal parts and finish seams, joints, and rough surfaces. This profession often involves work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and roofing systems for restaurants, kitchens, marine installations, medical equipment, among other applications. They may specialize in on-site or in-shop production of sheet metal items or concentrate on servicing and maintaining installed systems and equipment.
Employment opportunities for sheet metal workers can be found in sheet metal fabrication shops, manufacturing firms, contracting companies, and other related industries. The job requires manual skill, proficiency with various tools, good math abilities, spatial awareness, attention to detail, and the capacity to understand and interpret drawings and specifications.
Job Titles
Duties
Typically, sheet metal workers:
- Interpret engineering and architecture drawings and specifications, measuring and marking sheet metal accordingly
- Create sheet metal patterns using CAD software
- Operate machinery to manipulate sheet metal
- Finish surfaces and inspect quality
Additionally, they may:
- Install sheet metal products in workshops or at job sites
- Provide maintenance services for installed systems
- Collaborate with engineers and architects on projects
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
- Stay updated on new technologies and techniques in sheet metal work
Earnings
Earnings represent the income received by individuals for their work, whether in the form of wages, salaries, or earnings from self-employment.
Annual Earnings
Provincial Hourly Rate
| Highest Wage | $43.44 per hour |
| Median Wage | $30.94 per hour |
| Lowest Wage | $22.72 per hour |
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
% Employed Full Time
Sheet metal workers typically put in 40 hours per week and may work overtime. Their tasks can take place indoors or outdoors, in a variety of environments, and involve physical labor, safety precautions, and technological expertise.
Career Pathways
Through experience and training, sheet metal workers can progress to higher-ranking or supervisory roles, or even establish their own enterprises.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
To identify suitable career paths based on individual interests is crucial. Sheet metal workers may find a fulfilling occupation as an ironworker, welder, cutter, solderer, brazers, and more.
Sheet metal workers are often involved in shaping and assembling metal parts used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. They work with a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, and stainless steel, to create structures and products.
Some sheet metal workers specialize in HVAC systems, fabricating and installing ductwork for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Others may focus on architectural sheet metal work, crafting metal roofs, gutters, and siding for buildings.
Sheet metal work requires precision, attention to detail, and the ability to work with various tools and equipment. It can be a physically demanding job, but for those with an interest in working with metal and creating tangible products, it can be a rewarding career choice.
Education, Training and Skills
A minimum requirement is completion of Grade 10, with a preference for Grade 12. Training involves apprenticeships, courses, and certifications such as the Skilled Trades Certification in British Columbia.
Enrollment in apprenticeship programs
Gaining work experience, education, and certifications can lead to the successful completion of apprenticeships and the acquisition of a Certificate of Qualification.
For work in other provinces
To work in other provinces, sheet metal workers may need Red Seal certification, which can be obtained through exams and work experience.
Transfer to B.C. from other provinces
Sheet metal workers certified in other Canadian provinces can seek certification in British Columbia, following the regulations set by the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
International workers
Sheet metal workers trained outside of Canada may need a comprehensive assessment, credential recognition, and additional requisites.
Metalworkers in the marine energy industry undertake a range of duties, from installing large structures to mending metal frameworks.
Brief Job Description
A high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required for most metalworking positions, with further vocational training and certifications enhancing job opportunities.
Education and Training Level Description
Entry into the metalworking field can be through apprenticeships, vocational programs, or licensing, with specialized certifications available for various metalworking roles.
Job Profile
Metalworkers in the marine energy sector fulfill diverse tasks in construction projects and the upkeep of metal infrastructure.
Ironworkers place structural and reinforcing iron and steel for supporting structures like buildings and marine construction. They also erect pre-cut metal structures and equipment on construction sites. Reinforcing ironworkers embed steel bars in concrete for reinforcement.
Sheet metal workers create and install thin metal structures, including precision components for turbines in the marine energy field. They operate tools and machinery in workshops and factories, some of which are automated. Utilizing computer-aided drafting systems and programming computerized equipment may be part of their tasks.
These workers also set up systems and frameworks in onshore marine energy operation facilities. They must weld, cut, solder, and braze metal components during construction phases. Some of these professionals focus on specific tasks, such as welding, cutting, soldering, and brazing. Welders use various methods to join metals, solderers work on precise items like circuit boards, and brazers connect different metals on a larger scale.
Offshore construction mandates skilled divers who are also ironworkers and welders to work underwater. Underwater metalworkers aid in building and upkeeping underwater infrastructure for marine energy arrays. Explore more about becoming a certified diver in the marine energy sector.