Overview
The Sheet Metal Foundation teaches students how to fabricate, assemble, alter and install a variety of sheet metal products. Typical jobs performed by a sheet metal worker include HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) ductwork, industrial sheet metal work, and residential sheet metal work.
Note: Next program offering is September 8, 2025.
They also work on hospital and kitchen equipment (stainless steel), industrial exhaust systems, industrial sheet metal work, and roofing and flashing (copper, aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized iron).
The program
Basic theory and related information, along with hands-on shop practice enable students to become competent in fabricating basic sheet metal products.
Sheet metal workers must be able to work at heights. Good physical condition is necessary. Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview (telephone interview if out of town) with the institute’s rehabilitation specialist, 604-451-6963.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Please note that international students are not eligible to continue to an apprenticeship training program. To learn more about international student opportunities at BCIT, visit BCIT International.
Study permit: A study permit is not required for programs with a duration of 6 months or less. Students may complete the program with a valid status in Canada for the duration of the program.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 48.0506)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
$685 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0730-1400, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| SMTL 1151 | Sheet Metal Foundation (Harmonized) | 40.5 | |
| Total Credits: | 40.5 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
20 weeks, full-time
Grading
A minimum passing grade for each course is 70%. An overall GPA of 70% or better is required to pass the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Students are prepared for entry-level employment in the sheet metal trade. Upon successful completion of the program, students may seek employment as apprentices, often with the support of faculty in connecting with employers.
With a rise in construction activity in BC, employment opportunities for sheet metal workers have also increased. Graduates are finding employment with both union and non-union employers. Apprenticeships are available.
All indicators show that employment in the Sheet Metal trade will continue to be positive in the future.
Training Schedule
The below training schedule is for your convenience so you may have a better idea when our future intakes occur. We do our best to keep this training schedule current. We also suggest contacting admission and registration to see if there have been any changes or additions to what is currently being listed.
Note: The 2024 Sheet Metal Foundation Program Training Schedule is TBC
Contact Us
Vince Penner
Department Head
Tel: 604-453-4067
Email: vpenner2@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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