Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation, Certificate

Start your journey to an apprenticeship and open doors to career opportunities in construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing. 

Female student working sheet metal machine

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

No

Area of study

Trades Foundation

Length

30 weeks

Two paths

The difference between foundation program and apprenticeship.
Learn more

Fundamental training

Start dates are January or August

Thirty weeks of full-time education at Camosun will help you find employment and subsequent apprenticeship to your career as a ticketed sheet metal, architectural sheet metal or metal fabrication worker.  

trades-sheetm-1

In only 30 weeks, you will graduate with the skills and knowledge that will make you highly employable within many areas of the metal trades industry.

You will learn sheet metal skills for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning), custom precision sheet metal fabrication, architectural sheet metal, and metal fabrication.

 

Next up: apprenticeship

As a graduate of this program, you'll be ready to start employment in the industry. You will also receive credit for Level 1 technical training for a Sheet Metal Worker, Architectural Sheet Metal Worker, or Metal Fabricator (Fitter) apprenticeship.

As an apprentice, you will continue to build on your skills and gain the practical experience necessary for full certification in your chosen specialty.

For more details regarding the Industry Training Program, please review the SkilledTradesBC Accredited Program profiles for Sheet Metal WorkerArchitectural Sheet Metal Worker and Metal Fabricator.

Check it out:

Virtual Trades Information Session

Studnt Morganna Sampson working in the metal shop

“I started my post-secondary journey by getting a diploma in Business and Marketing. After graduation, realizing the competitive job market and my disinterest in wanting to have a desk or online job, I chose to switch career paths into the trades. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made!

- Morganna Sampson, Sheet Metal and Metal Fabrication Foundations Program

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

sheet metal classroom

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Program outline

What to expect

Located at our Interurban campus, the Sheet Metal and Metal Fabrication Foundation program is 30 weeks long. 

Course format

  • 30 weeks, 20-weeks in sheet metal, 2-weeks in welding, 8-weeks in metal fabrication
  • Monday-Friday, 8am-2:45pm, with one 15min break and 30min lunch, continuously (30hr week)
  • Homework commitments vary per student but amount to about one to three hours per day including weekends.

You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions so be prepared to work outdoors regardless of the weather. Occasionally, you'll have to work longer than normal college hours depending on the project. You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Course goals

  • Perform safety-related functions
  • Use trade tools and equipment
  • Interpret plans, drawings and specifications
  • Perform quality control
  • Handle materials
  • Perform trade math and layout
  • Form materials
  • Fabricate components
  • Perform welding activities
Two men in welding gear skillfully working on a metal object, creating sparks.

Next up: Apprenticeship

Continue to build on your skills in your specialty and gain the practical experience necessary to become a fully qualified Red Seal journeyperson in the Metal and Welding Trades; Metal Fabicator, Sheet Metal Worker or Welder.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation, Certificate

$3,480 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards 

Admission requirements

One of:

  • C in English 11 
  • C in ENGL 070  

And one of:

  • C in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11
  • COM in MATH 038  

Note: If you don't have one of the preferred math requirements the college will accept a C or higher in Foundations of Math 11 and Pre-calculus 11, or Principles of Math 11, or Applications of Math 11, or MATH 073  or MATH 137.

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

 

Program start dates

Training will take place at Interurban campus. Contact Registration to confirm seat availability*, 250-370-3550.

Start dateEnd date
August 19, 2024March 28, 2025
January 6, 2025August 1, 2025
August 25, 2025March 27, 2026

Apply today

Need help applying?

Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

Contact us

If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.

For questions about the program contact 250-370-3856tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.

Faculty/staff profile

Kyle Broad

Kyle Broad

Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades

broadk@camosun.ca
250–370–3786
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

null

Dallas Dolgopol

Program Lead, Instructor, Sheet Metal

dolgopold@camosun.ca
250-370-3844
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

null

Dave Meek

Instructor, Metal Fabrication Foundation

meekd@camosun.ca
250–370–3782
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

null

Keith Todd

Toolroom Attendant, Sheet Metal and Metal Fabrication

todd@camosun.ca
250-370-3814
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

sheet metal man

Specialty programs

Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people. 

Contact information

Trades Apprenticeship Office

Campus location

Centre for Trades and Technology building (CTEI), room 102

Location link

Interurban campus

250-370-3856

tradesinfo@camosun.ca


 

Admissions questions: