Fabricator
How to Become a Fabricator
Job Duties of a Fabricator
Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Fabricator
Fabricator Salaries
Influential Professional Fabricators
Leading Fabricator Organizations
Top Cities for Fabricator Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Fabricator
Most fabricators only need a high school diploma or GED equivalency. However, some employers will require the most skilled positions to be filled with individuals who have had specialized training or earned an associate's degree. Other positions will only require employer sponsored classroom instruction or a brief on the job orientation. As fabricators gain more experience they can progress to jobs that require greater skill and carry more responsibility. Experienced fabricators may become product repairers, advance to jobs in quality control, or become supervisors. Some become members of research and development teams working with engineers and product designers on prototypes and new product models.
What does a Fabricator do?
Fabricators assemble finished products and the pieces that go into them. They can work on products ranging in size from entire airplanes to intricate timing devices. Likewise, the job of a fabricator ranges from very easy to very complicated depending on the item being assembled. Fabricators putting together complex machinery begin by looking at blueprints and schematics. After determining how parts should connect, fabricators use hand or power tools to trim or cut components and make adjustments that allow them to fit together properly. Once the parts are properly aligned, fabricators put them together with bolts and screws or by welding or soldering. Careful quality control is vital throughout this process. Fabricators look for faulty components and mistakes in the assembly process in order to fix problems before many defective products are produced.
More than half of all fabricators are classified as team assemblers. Team assembly has come out of the "lean" manufacturing trend and has fabricators rotating through different tasks rather than specializing in one task. Teams may also decide how tasks are assigned and how work will be performed. This allows coverage for absent workers and also allows companies greater flexibility in responding to changes in product demand, therefore increasing productivity. Some fabricators do still specialize in one type of task, and are generally classified according to the products they assemble.
More than half of all fabricators are classified as team assemblers. Team assembly has come out of the "lean" manufacturing trend and has fabricators rotating through different tasks rather than specializing in one task. Teams may also decide how tasks are assigned and how work will be performed. This allows coverage for absent workers and also allows companies greater flexibility in responding to changes in product demand, therefore increasing productivity. Some fabricators do still specialize in one type of task, and are generally classified according to the products they assemble.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Fabricator?
Fabricators must be able to carefully follow detailed instructions, which requires good reading skills and the ability to read and follow diagrams. It is also important for fabricators to have excellent manual dexterity and be able to carry out complex repetitive tasks quickly and with precision. Team assemblers will need good interpersonal skills and a team spirit. Some positions will require fabricators to lift heavy loads. Good eyesight will be required for those who work with small parts and color vision is essential for those working with electrical equipment.
How much does a Fabricator make?
The earnings of fabricators vary based on the industry an individual works in, his or her geographic region, and the complexity of the machinery operated. The median hourly wage of team assemblers in 2006 was $11.63. The middle fifty percent earned between $9.22 and $14.93 per hour.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Don Begneaud is the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation Board Chairman and the CEO/Owner of Begneaud Manufacturing in Lafayette, Louisiana. He founded Begneaud Manufacturing as a one man welding operation while attending the Industrial Technology program at the University of Southwest Louisiana. He picked up oil and gas contract jobs to gain further experience while in school. Determined not to turn down work, Begneaud hired an employee to work while he went to class. Eventually he put his degree on hold, but this decision paid off as he forged relationships with giants in the oil field. During recession, Begneaud and his team coupled innovation with common sense to make it through the tough times. He branched out and began serving other industries, and is now well known for using technology to improve services.
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association named Gerald M. Shankel President and CEO in 2002. In this role, Shankel has oversight of the educational and membership divisions of the association. He also oversees the publication of several leading industry magazines. Prior to his role as President and CEO, Shankel held several leadership roles within the organization.
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association named Gerald M. Shankel President and CEO in 2002. In this role, Shankel has oversight of the educational and membership divisions of the association. He also oversees the publication of several leading industry magazines. Prior to his role as President and CEO, Shankel held several leadership roles within the organization.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International, headquartered out of Rockford, Illinois, is a professional organization with over 2,000 individual and company members. This organization was founded in 1970 in an effort to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. This organization brings members together through technology councils, educational programs, and networking opportunities. There are several official FMA publications including The Fabricator and Practical Welding Today. The Tube and Pipe Association, International is the technology affiliate of this organization. Membership in this organization spans both the United States and Canada and reaches into more than forty other countries.
What are some top cities for Fabricator jobs?
The current top city for aspiring fabricators to find work is Houston, Texas. Houston is followed closely by Cincinnati, Ohio. Other cities with good job prospects in this field include Phoenix, Arizona, Louisville, Kentucky, and Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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