Training
Earn while
you learn.
Sheet metal is a compulsory, certified Red Seal trade (Ontario 308A). Local 397 holds the apprenticeship contracts, and members earn their Certificate of Qualification through a registered apprenticeship with in-school training at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre — the investment that keeps our contractors competitive and our members in demand.
Apprenticeship
A Red Seal
career.
Apprenticeship is post-secondary education you get paid for. Sheet Metal Worker is a compulsory, inter-provincial Red Seal trade (Ontario 308A) — about 9,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus three eight-week in-school blocks. Technical training is delivered at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre (OSMWTC) in Oakville, a joint union/OSMCA training centre, and leads to a Red Seal Certificate of Qualification.
~9,000 hrs
On-the-job training
3 blocks
Eight-week in-school
308A
Ontario trade code
Red Seal
Compulsory, interprovincial
What you need
Getting started.
- 01A high-school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent
- 02Drop a résumé and proof of Grade 12 at the union hall
- 03Pass the aptitude test when the local needs apprentices
- 04A willingness to learn a skilled, certified trade
To apply, drop a résumé and proof of Grade 12 (or equivalent) at the union hall, 1135 Roland Street. When the local needs apprentices, it schedules an aptitude test — $25, about 3.5 hours, payable in advance by cash or cheque. To enter as a Sheeter/Decker, simply drop a résumé at the hall.
What you get
The payoff.
- 01The highest-quality classroom, on-the-job and safety training
- 02Earn while you learn, with wage step-ups at each level
- 03About 9,000 hours of paid on-the-job training
- 04A nationally recognized, compulsory Red Seal credential
Flat / built-up roofing is a voluntary trade — the Thunder Bay Roofing Apprenticeship Council holds those apprenticeship contracts. Contact the union if you are interested in roofing work — sheetmetal397@tbaytel.net.
Safety & upgrading
Stay current.
Safety and upgrading in Thunder Bay are run by Safety & Training Coordinator Kevin Stadey (NCSO). Renew your certifications before they expire to stay dispatch-ready.
Working at Heights
- RenewRequired every 3 years — renew before it expires
- WHMISWHMIS refresher is included with the Working at Heights refresher
Roofer Propane
- RenewRoofer Propane training — renew every 3 years
Before class
- HealthIf you are sick, do not attend class
Kevin Stadey, NCSO — safety & training
(807) 623-6014
safety397@tbaytel.net
Thunder Bay — union hall
1135 Roland Street
Thunder Bay ON P7B 5M5