Trade Playbook

Sheet Metal Work

Name: AEC Stack
Author: AEC Stack

Compulsory trade, certification required

Sheet Metal Worker (308A) is a compulsory trade covering ductwork, architectural metal, and HVAC fabrication for commercial and industrial buildings; the residential installer stream is 308R.

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Getting inBecome a sheet metal workerHow people actually enter this trade: sponsors, registration, hours, and school.Open Getting certifiedFinish your ticketAlready an apprentice? The Last Mile guide: closing out hours, booking the exam, exam day.Open Comparing optionsWhat sheet metal workers makePay by stage, the lanes that change the number, and the difference between a wage and a business rate.Open Going out on your ownStart a sheet metal businessThe step-by-step from qualified tradesperson to incorporated, insured, bid-ready owner.Open Just lookingCommon questionsLicences, costs, timelines: the questions everyone asks, answered straight.Open

Sheet Metal Work at a glance

Licence to do the work: Required — 308A C of Q (compulsory); 308R for residential
Path in: Apprenticeship — about 5 years for 308A
Regulated by: Skilled Trades Ontario
Insurance baseline: $2M CGL + shop coverage
Union route: SMART locals

The licensing layer, explained

Sheet Metal Worker (308A) is a compulsory trade. The residential low-rise installer (308R) is the residential HVAC ducting stream. To contract you incorporate and carry the relevant certificate; gas and refrigeration scopes pull in TSSA/ODP requirements.

Certifications in this trade

Insurance to expect

Rooftop and high-work exposure plus fabrication shop risk. $2M CGL minimum; add tools/equipment and shop coverage.

Go to the source

The official pages that govern this trade. Bookmark these, they are the final word on requirements and fees.

Keep reading

308A Sheet Metal Worker 308R Residential Sheet Metal Incorporation CRA Registration WSIB & Provincial Trade Licensing Insurance Safety Compliance Operational Setup Bid Readiness

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