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Trade Playbook

Sheet Metal Work

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.

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

Where are you right now?

Learn it. Earn it. Own it. Pick the door that matches where you are.

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 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

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 Worker308R Residential Sheet MetalIncorporationCRA RegistrationWSIB & ProvincialTrade LicensingInsuranceSafety ComplianceOperational SetupBid Readiness

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