Sheet Metal Worker
A sheet metal worker specializes in the fabrication and installation of metal sheets used in various applications, such as air ducts, building siding, and stainless-steel equipment. To perform these tasks, they utilize tools like power saws, welding guns, and specialized machinery, often requiring a strong background in metalworking and construction. Most workers enter the field with a high school diploma, and while formal education isn't mandatory, technical training or apprenticeships can enhance job prospects.
The work environment can vary, with sheet metal workers operating in construction sites, manufacturing plants, and metalworking shops, often engaging in physically demanding activities that involve lifting, bending, and working in diverse weather conditions. Safety is a significant concern, as potential hazards include cuts, burns, and falls. The profession requires problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication, as workers may collaborate with teams and clients to accomplish projects. Career advancement is possible through experience and additional training, making this a vital role in the architecture, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
Sheet Metal Worker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing
Interests: Metalworking, welding, construction, manufacturing, computer-aided design
Earnings (Yearly Median): $58,780 per year $28.26 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent; possible technical school or apprenticeship
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Apprenticeship
Overview
Sphere of Work. A sheet metal worker performs a large variety of tasks involving the fabrication and installation of metal sheets. These metal sheets are used for an array of purposes, including air ducts, building siding, and the construction of stainless-steel equipment. Once the sheets have been fabricated, sheet metal workers secure them through welding, soldering, or another fastening method.
Work Environment. Sheet metal workers operate in a variety of locations, including construction sites, manufacturing plants, and metalworking shops. They work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. Most of the day, they are on their feet, bending over their work area. Depending on the job, they may need to crawl or squat for extended periods of time.
There are several potential hazards in sheet metal work, including cuts from the metal, burns from welding equipment, and falls from heights.
Occupation Interest. Sheet metal work encompasses a diverse array of metalworking, so those interested in the profession should be great problem solvers. Sheet metal workers should enjoy building and creating things with their hands and be adept with a variety of tools. Many sheet metal workers work with high-speed machines, so they need to be able to maintain focus for long periods of time. Most workers have a strong background in the construction industry, but some can enter the field through formal courses at a vocational or trade school.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A sheet metal worker can work out of a manufacturing shop, helping to mass produce metal products, or at a construction or renovation site. At a shop, sheet metal workers use a variety of hand tools and machines to cut and shape sheet metal. Those in the manufacturing industry may have repetitive jobs, such as punching holes or bending sheet metal in an assembly-line environment. Specialized computers are frequently used in manufacturing to program machinery to perform specific tasks, such as cutting and shaping.
A sheet metal worker at a construction or renovation site will first assess the task presented to them. This can be done by reading blueprints or surveying the building in person. Depending on the size of the job, a worker may perform the job alone or with a team of other sheet metal workers. Once the job is assessed, the worker will select the type of sheet metal needed. These sheets are then measured, cut, and shaped to fit the job. This is commonly done at an off-site workshop, but some of these tasks can be performed at the job site.
If the sheet metal has been cut and shaped off-site, it is then transported to the job site and put into place either by hand or through the use of cranes. Sheet metal is installed, and the seams are connected using rivets, steel screws, welding, and other fastening methods. Workers also maintain and repair existing structures. Some sheet metal workers specialize in maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Others specialize in balancing and testing HVAC systems to ensure they are cooling properly.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Sheet metal workers can work at construction sites in both commercial and residential settings. Sometimes, they must work on roofs or on the sides of buildings. Workers perform many physically demanding tasks, such as climbing, lifting, and bending.
Plant Environment. Workers in manufacturing shops usually work in either small workshops or larger plants. These are well-ventilated locations that can be noisy due to the heavy machinery.
Human Environment. Workers collaborate frequently with others in the industry. Effective communication is required while on the job to ensure it is done correctly and safely. Frequent communication with clients may also be needed.
Technological Environment. Workers use a variety of tools, ranging from small hand tools to heavy machinery. Tools like power saws, welding guns, and hammers may be used on job sites. Manufacturing shops use specialized computers to program large saws and welding machines.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most employers require that an employee have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some high school courses that would benefit a sheet metal worker include shop class, mathematics, and basic computer courses.
Postsecondary. It is rarely required that a sheet metal worker have a college degree, but vocational and trade schools and some community colleges offer several courses in subjects that can be advantageous for a potential worker, such as welding and other aspects of metalworking. These courses offer lots of hands-on training with welding tools and power saws, as well as computer-aided design (CAD) programs and building information modeling (BIM) programs, which are regularly used at manufacturing shops. Courses commonly last up to seven months. Once students complete the course, they will have an advantage in finding an entry-level position, especially at a manufacturing shop, as sometimes local manufacturing shops look to these courses for potential hires.
Related Occupations
− Computer-Control Machine Tool Operator
− Heating & Cooling Technician
− Riveter
− Solar Energy System Installer
− Welder
Bibliography
"Sheet Metal Workers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/sheet-metal-workers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.