To become a sheet metal engineer you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Engineering (Fabrication) Level 4, specialising in light fabrication. For further information about apprenticeships contact Tools4Work.

Some employers may prefer that their apprentices are at least 16 years old.

A driver's licence may also be useful.

There are no specific secondary education requirements. However, School Certificate or NCEA equivalent maths, technical drawing and workshop technology are useful.

A pre-apprenticeship course may be useful for gaining a sheet metal engineering apprenticeship.

Sheet metal engineers gain most skills on the job. They can gain further qualifications through workplace assessments run by training providers. Training is also available in the Royal NZ Army.

Useful experience for Sheet metal engineers includes welding work or any jobs working with metals and tools. Experience working in an engineering workshop or jobs that involve heavy lifting may also be useful.