I will only allowed be allowed a 6 month work visa initially, this will be extended should I prove that I have passed the relevent trade test (sheet metal) and gain my Alberta certificate.

Now the questions. Does a 6 month LMO give me 6 months to apply for the work visa? Or Will "time" taken between the LMO being issued and the work permit being granted be deducted? ie if it takes me 2 moths to get to Canada will I be granted a 4 month visa?

I would try posting in the immigration forum, particularly asking Andrew Miller who is a fountain of information.

Hi Alex, from my understanding of things (i.e our LMO), the Work Permit is issued whilst taking direction from the LMO and as such should be valid for 6 months from issue, otherwise it would possibly not give you enough time to sit the exam. I believe it can still be extended if it expires but the experts in the Immigration forum are a better bet than me for 100% accuracy.

Thanks guys, I've posted on the immigration forum also as suggested