Sheet Metal Worker
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet Metal Worker Job Duties
Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet Metal Worker Salaries
Influential Professionals in the Sheet Metal Worker Field
Leading Sheet Metal Worker Organizations
Top Cities for Sheet Metal Worker Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Sheet Metal Worker
The construction industry has approximately sixty-six percent of sheet metal workers while the manufacturing industry has approximately twenty-one percent. Sheet metal workers can go through a formal apprenticeship program or are trained informally on the job. Those that have training or certification as welders have a good chance of getting a job as a sheet metal worker.
The basics of algebra, English, geometry, reading blueprints, mechanical drawing and general shop can be obtained in high school. Employers such as contractors usually offer on the job training. Those just starting out after high school with training on the job begin by carrying the metal and cleaning the shop as they learn about both tools and materials. They are later allowed to perform machine operations such as bending or cutting metal and gradually move up to learning on the job site.
Classroom and training done on the job for a period of four to five years is normally required to become a skilled sheet metal worker in the construction industry. There are numerous ways the training for a sheet metal worker can be obtained though an increased amount of skill is obtained with more formalized training. Those being trained on the job may be sent to trade vocational schools or community colleges by their employer for continuation of their formal training. Once an adequate knowledge and skill level has been obtained helpers in the sheet metal industry may achieve the level of journeyman.
Those applying for an apprenticeship should be eighteen years of age and adhere to local guidelines. These programs give both sheet metal fabrication and installation instruction at a more comprehensive level and can take up to five years to complete depending on the skill level of the apprentice.
Training in both safety procedures and tasks can be performed on the job. The basics are taught and then the sheet metal worker can focus on a specialty.
The basics of algebra, English, geometry, reading blueprints, mechanical drawing and general shop can be obtained in high school. Employers such as contractors usually offer on the job training. Those just starting out after high school with training on the job begin by carrying the metal and cleaning the shop as they learn about both tools and materials. They are later allowed to perform machine operations such as bending or cutting metal and gradually move up to learning on the job site.
Classroom and training done on the job for a period of four to five years is normally required to become a skilled sheet metal worker in the construction industry. There are numerous ways the training for a sheet metal worker can be obtained though an increased amount of skill is obtained with more formalized training. Those being trained on the job may be sent to trade vocational schools or community colleges by their employer for continuation of their formal training. Once an adequate knowledge and skill level has been obtained helpers in the sheet metal industry may achieve the level of journeyman.
Those applying for an apprenticeship should be eighteen years of age and adhere to local guidelines. These programs give both sheet metal fabrication and installation instruction at a more comprehensive level and can take up to five years to complete depending on the skill level of the apprentice.
Training in both safety procedures and tasks can be performed on the job. The basics are taught and then the sheet metal worker can focus on a specialty.
What does a Sheet Metal Worker do?
A sheet metal worker will perform the installation and maintenance of ventilation and air-conditioning duct systems, rain gutters, roofs, siding, skylights, equipment utilized in restaurants, customized precision equipment and various other products derived from sheet metal. Plastic and fiberglass material is also worked with by a sheet metal worker. While most sheet metal workers perform fabrication, installation and maintenance some choose to specialize in one of the three.
Both work related to construction and sheet metal products mass production is performed by sheet metal workers. The types and amounts of required materials are determined though studying plans and specifications for products. Sheet metal workers perform measuring, cutting, bending, shaping and the fastening of sheet metal pieces in order to produce custom products such as countertops and ductwork. Computerized metalworking equipment is being utilized by sheet metal workers in shops as well. The tasks are completed faster and the layouts can be experimented with in an effort to reduce waste. Cutting and drilling to form parts is done with saws, lasers, shears and presses that are controlled by computers when they are available; when computerized equipment is not available then all of these tasks must be performed by hand.
Prior to the assembly process beginning a sheet metal worker will check the accuracy of each part's measurements through the utilization of calipers and micrometers; any necessary adjustments are then made. Once the sheet metal worker is satisfied with the results the process of assembling the product through fastening seams and joints by welding, bolting and other methods is then performed.
The finished products are then taken to the job site if they were not produced there and installed by the sheet metal worker utilizing nails and other fasteners. Sheet metals workers also work to test, balance, adjust and service pre-existing air conditioning and ventilation systems to ensure proper functioning and make improvements on energy efficiency. Those specializing in the duct system installation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning are sometimes known as HVAC technicians. Building commissioning is an activity increasing in frequency for sheet metal workers and includes the entire mechanical inspection of the HVAC, water and lighting systems.
Air craft and industrial equipment parts are produced from sheet metal by sheet metal workers employed at manufacturing plants. The work of a sheet metal worker may be both repetitive and automated; some are responsible for computer control systems reprogramming.
Both work related to construction and sheet metal products mass production is performed by sheet metal workers. The types and amounts of required materials are determined though studying plans and specifications for products. Sheet metal workers perform measuring, cutting, bending, shaping and the fastening of sheet metal pieces in order to produce custom products such as countertops and ductwork. Computerized metalworking equipment is being utilized by sheet metal workers in shops as well. The tasks are completed faster and the layouts can be experimented with in an effort to reduce waste. Cutting and drilling to form parts is done with saws, lasers, shears and presses that are controlled by computers when they are available; when computerized equipment is not available then all of these tasks must be performed by hand.
Prior to the assembly process beginning a sheet metal worker will check the accuracy of each part's measurements through the utilization of calipers and micrometers; any necessary adjustments are then made. Once the sheet metal worker is satisfied with the results the process of assembling the product through fastening seams and joints by welding, bolting and other methods is then performed.
The finished products are then taken to the job site if they were not produced there and installed by the sheet metal worker utilizing nails and other fasteners. Sheet metals workers also work to test, balance, adjust and service pre-existing air conditioning and ventilation systems to ensure proper functioning and make improvements on energy efficiency. Those specializing in the duct system installation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning are sometimes known as HVAC technicians. Building commissioning is an activity increasing in frequency for sheet metal workers and includes the entire mechanical inspection of the HVAC, water and lighting systems.
Air craft and industrial equipment parts are produced from sheet metal by sheet metal workers employed at manufacturing plants. The work of a sheet metal worker may be both repetitive and automated; some are responsible for computer control systems reprogramming.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Sheet Metal Worker?
Sheet metal workers should possess good reading skills as well as an aptitude for mechanical and mathematical functions. Spatial and form perception, manual dexterity and good hand eye coordination are all important to those wishing to enter the field of sheet metal work. A background in advanced mathematics such as algebra, geometry and trigonometry as well as shop and mechanical drawing are helpful in obtaining employment as a sheet metal worker.
Sheet metal workers can obtain certifications to specialize in a particular area of sheet metal work from various associations.
Sheet metal workers can obtain certifications to specialize in a particular area of sheet metal work from various associations.
What do Sheet Metal Workers make?
The average wage for a sheet metal worker was almost $18 an hour while those in the middle earnings range made anywhere from just over $13 to almost $25 an hour. Sheet metal workers that were in the lowest ten percent of the earnings range had wages that were less than $10.36 and hour while those in the highest range earned over $32 an hour.
The actual industry that is employing the sheet metal workers will have an effect on the amount of earnings received as well as the amount of experience and skill level possessed.
The actual industry that is employing the sheet metal workers will have an effect on the amount of earnings received as well as the amount of experience and skill level possessed.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Influential professionals in the field of sheet metal work would include those employed by the leading organizations in the field such as the Sheet Metal Workers International Association or the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
More information about the field of sheet metal work can be obtained from some of the leading organizations in the field such as the Sheet Metal Workers International Association located in Washington, D.C. and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association located in Chantilly, VA. Other leading organizations in the field of sheet metal work include the International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Industry located in Alexandria, VA and the National Center for Construction Education and Research located in Gainesville, FL.
What are the top cities for Sheet Metal Worker jobs?
Currently the top cities for sheet metal jobs as far as job availability is concerned are Dyess AFB, TX and Rapid City, South Dakota each having an equal amount of openings followed by Jacksonville, Florida with slightly fewer job openings.
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