Metal Worker Job Description

Sheet Metal Worker Jobs in the Construction Industry

Sheet metal workers can create ornate finished pieces from different metals. They will work with a variety of metal types, but also have the chance to work with copper, zinc and other specialized metals. Being employed as a sheet metal worker gives you the chance to work on unique and ornate products.

The chance to showcase their skills and talents is given by the unique products such as copper scupper boxes and leader heads. Many older structures require skilled sheet metal workers to be able to make pieces that can match historical features. Residential projects usually include sheet metal trim pieces for capping.

Specialty sheet metal components may be required as well. Residential trim is usually fabricated on site with portable brakes. Time on site for fabrication is not usually included in projects that include ornate leader heads and scupper boxes.

The sheet metal shop is where the fabrication takes place. Duct work can be made in a sheet metal shop and then transported to the site for installation. There are no requirements for education for Sheet Metal Workers.

The training of sheet metal workers on operating specific types of equipment may increase their skills. People looking to develop a career working with sheet metal should focus on training for soldering and welding. Basic math is important to help you progress and safely perform your job.

Metal Workers in the Manufacturing Industry

Metal workers work in plants, factories, and fabrication shops that produce metal structures, parts and components in a variety of materials, including steel, iron, cast iron, aluminum and copper. The main job of a metal worker is to program and operate the manual or automated machinery used to melt, form, cut and join metal and to finish and assemble metal components. Metal workers work on all types of objects, from the very large to the very small, in all industries.

They use machine tools and other equipment to make the part or component, load and unload the parts, and perform quality control procedures to make sure that the finished product is compliant with the production standards. Metal workers may be required to perform finishing operations and inspect finished pieces. Metal workers are mostly responsible for the production of metal component parts, but they may also be required to perform other jobs.

The working hours of a metal worker can be different depending on the factory they are employed in. Workers in larger factories and plants work a 2 or 3 shift pattern, including night shifts, to allow the plants to operate round the clock. Candidates for metalworking vacancies typically need a high school diploma in mechanics or a professional qualification in a related field.

In some cases, metal workers may need to have specific qualifications, such as a forklift or a crane operator license. Good manual skills, a reliable, responsible professional attitude, the ability to work as part of a team and previous experience in a machine shop environment are some of the qualities that a metal worker should have. The career of a metal worker depends on the area of specialization they choose.

There are some areas of specialization that include boring mill operator, assembler, welder, mill operator, turning lathe operator, slotter, painter, and inspector. Metal workers can also get promoted to a coordinating role as a shift foreman or department supervisor, which is a further advancement in their careers. After this, career options include becoming head of production and eventually being quality control and inspection manager.

Sheet Metal Workers in the U.S

Sheet metal workers use thin steel, aluminum, or other alloyed metal in both manufacturing and construction. Sheet metal products include heating and air conditioning ducts. Maintenance workers repair and clean systems that use less energy.

Dust and moist material are removed and the sheet metal that makes up the ductwork is fixed. Testing and balancing sheet metal specialists ensure that the heating and cooling of the rooms is done correctly. The profile on heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers has information workers who install or repair the systems.

Workers who install sheet metal at construction sites must bend, climb, and squat in a variety of awkward and high positions. Sheet metal workers are exposed to all types of weather. The work environment can be noisy or dusty.

A high school degree is required for sheet metal workers. Those interested in becoming a sheet metal worker should take high school classes. Vocational- education courses such as mechanical drawing and welding are helpful.

Most construction sheet metal workers learn their trade through apprenticeships, which include paid on-the-job training and related technical instruction. Construction apprentices learn about safety and first aid. The training may include welding.

Sheet Metal Workers in Construction and Manufacturing

Sheet metal is formed by an industrial process. It can be made of a number of metals, including steel, aluminum, iron, and copper, and is used to make pipes, tubes and ducts for heating and air conditioning systems, roofing and roof flashing, gutter and downspouts, the bodywork of cars and other motor vehicles, in sign. The bending and stamp operations are done using a mechanical or an automatic press.

Measuring instruments are used to check the accuracy and precision of the work. Assembly phase involves a range of operations, including welding, soldering, brazing, riveting and bolting. Sheet metal workers in construction work on roofing and other parts of the project, and they use hammers, drills, welding equipment and other tools to carry out repairs.

An inspection is conducted after a repair is done to make sure it has been waterproofed and sealed. Sheet metal workers are employed in plants to make sheet metal products. They work in fabrication shops, auto body shops and businesses that provide sheet metal installation and maintenance.

Shifts at continuous production plants are often shift based. The job of a sheet metal worker requires strength and endurance. Working conditions are not always easy.

Workers in production plants are exposed to high levels of safety risk, while workers on construction sites are exposed to high levels of safety risk. To reduce risk levels, applicable workplace safety and risk prevention regulations must be followed at all times. Another way for sheet metal workers to make money is to start their own business, which can be a roofing, gutter, and structural steel company.

Iron Workers: Work Schedules, Benefit Structure and Compensation

Iron workers install frames for structures. Iron workers are usually hired for full- and part-time shifts that include evenings and weekends, but they work mostly during the day. Iron workers travel to the job site to perform their duties.

Iron workers are often in dangerous conditions working with other construction and iron workers. Iron workers have different requirements. Some require candidates to have a high school education or equivalent, while others only accept candidates with no education if they are 18 years of age or older.

Some companies require iron workers to have experience working with iron. Iron workers must have a valid driver's license to travel to work. Some employers accept entry-level iron workers.

Full-time iron workers receive a variety of benefits, including life, health, vision, and dental insurance. Retirement benefits are typically provided. Most employers give iron workers paid sick days, vacation and holiday pay.

The Next Decade in Metal and Plastic Machine Jobs

Machine workers are employed in factories. Workers must be aware of workplace safety standards. Full time is when most people work full time.

Over the next decade, 103,100 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected. The openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire. Setters, operators, and tender are usually identified by the machine they work with.

Job duties are dependent on the type of machine being operated and the manufacturer. Some workers specialize in one or two machines, others are trained to set up or operate a variety of them. Machine operators can control multiple machines at the same time with automation.

Machine operators have to change between machines in production techniques. Workers who are assigned to work on a rotating basis have a range of skills. Operators, tender, and tool set ups are used to operate and grind machine tools that remove excess material from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff or polish metal or plastic.

Operators, tender, and Setters set up or operate heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment, to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects. The operators and tender set up the lathe and turning machines to turn metal or plastic materials. Operators, tender, and machine Setters set up and operate machines to mold, cast, or core make metal and plastic parts.