A career as a sheet metal worker may be right for you if you're seeking for a profession that's both emotionally and physically taxing.
For the most part, sheet metal workers are responsible for shaping metal into various items. This is accomplished by combining raw materials via the use of cutting, bending, or welding.
Sheet metal may be used to make anything from automobiles to appliances to even furniture!
Isn't it the best? As a result, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment at having taken an abstract concept and materialised it. You may want to keep reading if that describes your ideal future.
Fabricators of metal products use sheet metal workers to fabricate their products.
With the use of various machines like shears, brakes, and presses a sheet metal worker may shape the material into its final form.
Among the many distinct types of sheet metal work, there are structural (such as roofing) and transportation-related (such as automobiles and aeroplanes) as well as general fabrication (such as household appliances).
Please continue reading if you'd want to learn more about this career path!
Additionally, you'll learn about the educational prerequisites for pursuing this career path.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker: If you want to get your career in sheet metal off to a good start, you should know that there is no one-size-fits-all route to this profession.
Trade schools and apprenticeship programmes are two options for formal education in the trades; either way, you'll learn all you need to know from real-world experts.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker 2021
Steel, aluminium, and other alloyed metals are among the sheet metals used by sheet metal workers in the creation, repair, and installation of their products.
Sheet metal work is a necessary profession in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and it can be both financially rewarding and intellectually difficult for those who possess the necessary qualifications.
Sheet metal workers are constantly in demand because of the wide variety of jobs they can do in today's more industrialised world.
To better understand what sheet metal workers do today, let's look at some of their roles, traits, and educational requirements.
In addition, we'll go over the wage ranges and job prospects for those seeking a career as a sheet metal worker.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
A high school diploma or its equivalent is often required for the majority of sheet metal work positions.
Mechanics, blueprint reading, and mechanical drafting and design subjects in high school are all common entry points for people interested in these fields.
Prospective metalworkers may study their craft after high school either via on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
For the first several years, learning on the job entails various tasks unrelated to sheet metalworking.
Debris cleanup and general shop or construction maintenance, for example, might take several months before employees are ready to move on to basic metalworking duties.
After-work technical school classes are common for trainees in these roles, who are looking to better their career prospects.
However, students that show a high level of competence may commonly finish the programme in as little as four years.
As part of the apprenticeship programme, students work alongside an experienced metalworker and get classroom education as well.
Among the many things they study are how to handle sophisticated computer equipment and which kinds of metal are best suited for certain applications.
Local chapters of the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National Association or the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association provide apprenticeship programmes for anyone interested in a career in the construction industry.
What Does a Sheet Metal Worker Do?
Professionals in the sheet metal industry design, construct, and service the goods made from the material. Ducts for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems are a staple of this sector's output.
Instead, sheet metal workers produce items for the roofing and drainage industries.
A sheet metal worker's day-to-day tasks could be very different from one job to the next.
A sheet metal installer is the person to go to when you need something like HVAC ducts installed.
Sheet metal maintenance workers ensure that ventilation systems are in good working order by performing necessary maintenance and repairs.
They inspect the ducts for damage and repair any that they find.
The production of electricity and medical equipment both benefit greatly from the use of precision sheet metal fabrication.
Some of their work is automated, so they need computer literacy.
Duties of a Sheet Metal Worker
Processes involved in production, installation, and maintenance of metal sheets include as follows:
- Choosing the right sort of sheet metal for the job at hand is essential.
- In order to cut metal, you need to take measurements and draw lines of reference.
- Install screws, nuts and other hardware by drilling holes in the structure.
- Produce items on-site in accordance with project specifications.
- Heavy metal items can be manoeuvred and secured with ease.
- To guarantee accuracy, use a range of precise instruments and mathematics.
Sheet Metal Worker Equipment Required for the Job
Depending on the task at hand, sheet metal workers use a wide variety of large and small tools every day.
Sheet metal workers are increasingly relying on CAD (computer-aided design) software for their creations. Machinery includes plasma cutters, saws, and presses.
Micrometres, a very precise measuring device, are also frequently used.
What Items Do Sheet Metal Workers Make?
Sheet metal workers fabricate ducts, drainage goods, and components for a wide variety of other sectors.
Although the final products sheet metal workers produce can vary widely from one company to the next, they usually specialise in making just a few key types of products.
Work Conditions
The typical workweek for a sheet metal worker is 40 hours (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). As in many other fields, working overtime is sometimes necessary in the construction industry.
Extra hours worked each week by a construction worker are not uniform across the industry or the country.
Sheet Metal Workers are common on construction sites and in factories. You can choose to work independently or in tandem with other construction professionals.
Working at great heights and carrying heavy loads are just two examples of the physical demands of the job.
Safety is of paramount importance on any construction site.
Sheet metal workers receive specialised training and must wear protective gear to ensure their safety on the job.
Education Paths for Sheet Metal Workers – Where to Begin?
The training for a career in sheet metal work is relatively brief and inexpensive, which is a definite pro.
If you don't want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a four-year college degree, you could start an apprenticeship as soon as you graduate from high school.
High School Diploma
Sheet metal workers typically need to have graduated from high school with good grades to enter the field.
Those who aspire to work in sheet metal should broaden their math education to include topics like algebra and geometry.
Your career prospects will improve over time if you continue your education with advanced math courses.
The student's future employability may be enhanced by taking classes in general metalworking, welding, or even woodworking.
Sheet metal fabrication is one of the many practical skills that can be learned in a variety of programmes.
Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeships
After graduating from high school, aspiring sheet metal workers typically begin a four to five year apprenticeship with a local industrial firm or an independent sheet metal worker.
A successful completion of an apprenticeship is the only requirement for entering the labour force.
Students learn by doing, improving their mechanical literacy, math skills, and ability to read blueprints through real-world projects.
Apprenticeships in the field of sheet metal work are often financially rewarding, allowing apprentices to gain valuable experience while also supplementing their income.
After completing their training, apprentice sheet metal workers can look forwards to entry-level positions.
Obtaining a licence or membership in a local organisation is a prerequisite to finding work as a sheet metal worker in some communities and states.
Please check the local requirements before submitting an application. Some other certifications may be useful, but they are not required.
Training and Certification
Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship programme for Sheet Metal Workers includes on-the-job training with an experienced professional.
Earning a wage for each hour put in as an apprentice is standard practise.
The hourly wage of a journeyman begins at around 50 percent and rises throughout an apprenticeship to its maximum level.
Entering An Apprenticeship Program
Sheet metal worker apprenticeship programmes in Canada have varying entry requirements depending on the province.
Most provinces and territories in Canada necessitate applicants to have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) before enrolling in the programme. You might also benefit from enrolling in a math or geometry course.
A number of Canadian provinces and territories offer post-secondary apprenticeship programmes for aspiring sheet metal workers.
Program Length
Apprenticeship programmes for sheet metal workers are administered in a variety of ways across the Australian states. There are four 12-month periods that consist of at least 5,700 hours of on-the-job training, four 10-week sections of technical instruction, and a final certification exam.
Apprenticeships in the sheet metal industry can be shortened by completing a training programme at a college or technical school.
Certification
In order to do this work, certification is required. It's optional, but available, in every other state and territory.
Even if certification isn't strictly necessary for the position you're applying for, having it can boost your credibility with potential employers and coworkers.
For most people, learning the trade of Sheet Metal Worker takes four years of schooling.
To earn a journeyperson's licence, one must complete an apprenticeship, technical training, and certification exams.
Sheet metal workers in certain Canadian provinces and territories may be eligible for certification if they have more than four years of experience in the field and have completed specific high school, college, or industry-specific training programmes.
Sheet Metal Workers who meet the requirements can sit for the Red Seal of the Interprovincial Standards Exam. If you have a Red Seal, you can find work as a Sheet Metal Worker in Australia.
Sheet metal workers are expected to keep abreast of developments in their field through self-study and regular interaction with colleagues.
Additional Skills & Requirements of Sheet Metal Workers
Successful sheet metal workers typically possess, in addition to a foundation in manufacturing, installation, and repair, the following abilities and personality attributes:
Manual Dexterity
Working with sheet metal demands a high level of precision and dexterity. You'll need to be proficient with gauges and lifting heavy objects if you want respectable outcomes.
When working with your hands, accuracy and precision are especially important.
Attention to Detail
Because of the precision required in sheet metal fabrication, thoroughness is of the utmost importance. In order to accurately translate blueprints and other instructions into metal, a great deal of persistence is required.
Due to the fact that even minor mistakes can have a domino effect on larger projects, paying close attention to the finer points is crucial for avoiding wasteful slip-ups.
Strong Math and Mechanical Skills
As was previously mentioned, sheet metal workers have a strong mechanistic bent and rely heavily on mathematics to consistently produce high-quality work.
Since you'll be working to create a three-dimensional object from a sheet of metal, a solid understanding of geometry will be essential.
A person's ability to see the big picture is essential for someone with a mechanical mindset.
Stamina and Strength
Daily tasks involving the handling of heavy metal sheets require a high level of strength and stamina. The average worker in the sheet metal industry must be able to regularly lift more than fifty pounds.
Where Would You Work As A Sheet Metal Worker?
Sheet metal workers may find work in a wide variety of settings, from manufacturing to repair.
The following are some of the most frequent places where sheet metal workers face difficulties on the job.
Sheet metal, no matter the working conditions, can pose health risks and should be treated with caution.
Common workplace dangers include exposure to sharp objects, welding, falls, and machinery.
Manufacturing Plants
Precision sheet metal workers in most large production facilities rely on both large and small pieces of machinery to carry out their daily tasks.
Workers in factories may be asked to perform more menial tasks and rely more heavily on machinery.
Working in a large manufacturing plant could be a good fit for you if you enjoy routine and the more technical aspects of sheet metal work.
Construction Sites
Some construction firms require the services of a sheet metal worker on-site to install ducting and other metal fixtures. Sheet metal workers are essential on building sites, as they fabricate, fix, and install materials.
Consider the weather, the noise level, and the possibility of being distracted by other workers before accepting a job on a construction site.
Small Shops
Small businesses are the only remaining option for sheet metal workers. Some skilled artisans set up their own sheet metal shops so they can focus on their chosen fields of focus.
Small businesses proliferate in places with fewer large factories because there is less competition for them.
A smaller shop may be preferable for those who would prefer to work in a less hectic environment with fewer coworkers.
Keep in mind that maintaining gainful employment could prove more difficult than other options.
What is a Sheet Metal Worker’s Salary?
Sheet metal workers in Australia can typically make a yearly salary of $48,596.
When compared to other jobs, this one pays very well. It's possible to see a significant salary difference based on factors like location and the industry or company that hires you.
Average annual pay for sheet metal workers in Australia is around $25,000. It is impossible to generalise about salary ranges because they differ from one region to the next.
How Long Do Sheet Metal Workers Work?
As part of a full-time schedule, sheet metal workers typically put in eight hours a day, five days a week. Although schedules may vary, many workers in the sheet metal industry are able to work during the week and have the weekends free.
The number of hours and days worked will depend on the needs of the business, as is the case with any job.
Sheet metal workers may be asked to put in extra hours here and there, which increases their annual salary and overall productivity.
What Are the Career Prospects for Sheet Metal Workers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 1% increase in employment for sheet metal workers over the next several years.
Job vacancies in this industry are relatively low compared to those in other fields, but there are still more than 13,000 openings every year.
Therefore, there is still a need for sheet metal workers in many types of production settings, despite the lack of development in the industry.
When deciding whether or not to become a sheet metal worker, it is important to think about the significance of manufacturing in your area. This could vary greatly depending on the city in which you currently reside or intend to move to.
Preparing for a Career as a Sheet Metal Worker (Things You Can Do Right Now!)
If you want to work in sheet metal, one of the best ways to get there is to jump right in and learn as much as possible about the field.
High School Math and Metalworking Classes
Students interested in careers in mathematics or metalwork should take as many math and metallurgy classes as possible during high school. Algebra, geometry, and even more advanced mathematics are all applicable. There is much to be gained from training in metalworking and woodworking if you are interested in doing so.
Related Job Experience
Whether you're a student or a working professional, gaining experience in the field through sheet metal work could be invaluable.
Similar occupations include assembly, welding, HVAC installation, machining, and roofing. If you have skills in any of the aforementioned areas, sheet metal work may be a good fit for you.
Conclusion
Working with metal can be stressful both mentally and physically, making a career as a sheet metal worker a challenging choice. Professionals in this field are essential in the manufacturing and construction industries; they can expect challenging work that pays well and challenges their minds. Having skills applicable to a wide range of modern industries, sheet metal workers are in high demand. There is no universally accepted path into this field of work, but formal education in the trades is available through institutions like trade schools and apprenticeship programmes. Sheet metal workers fabricate, repair, and install products made from a wide variety of metals, including steel, aluminium, and other alloyed metals.
After graduating from high school, aspiring metalworkers have the option of learning their trade through either on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Sheet metal workers design, build, and repair HVAC ducts and other products used in the HVAC industry. Trainees in these positions often take evening technical courses to advance their careers. Anyone looking to enter the construction industry can find an apprenticeship programme through their local chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association or the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association. Maintaining ventilation systems is the responsibility of sheet metal workers.
The fabrication, installation, and upkeep of metal sheets involve the following procedures: A wide range of industries rely on the work of sheet metal workers to produce ducts, drainage goods, and other components. They employ a number of precise instruments and mathematics in addition to CAD (computer-aided design) software, plasma cutters, saws, and presses, to guarantee precision.
Sheet metal workers typically put in 80 hours per week, split between 40 hour days and 5 day weeks, with occasional overtime required. Sheet metal workers have unique safety requirements, including training and the use of protective gear. Sheet metal work requires a broad understanding of mathematics, including algebra and geometry, and requires only a short amount of training time and a low financial investment.
Several different courses cover sheet metal fabrication as one of many applicable trades. Sheet metal workers-to-be typically enter a four- to five-year apprenticeship with a local industrial firm or an independent sheet metal worker after completing high school. The apprentice will work side-by-side with a seasoned expert and be compensated for their time. Apprentice sheet metal workers can anticipate getting entry-level jobs after they finish their training. Some jurisdictions may accept an equivalent credential in lieu of a high school diploma, but in general, provinces and territories require applicants to have completed at least 12 years of formal education before enrolling.
There are four 12-month periods that each include at least 5,700 training hours, four sections of technical instruction lasting 10 weeks, and a final certification exam that is standardised across all Australian states. In all other states, certification is purely voluntary. Sheet metal workers need to be able to regularly lift more than fifty pounds, have excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, strong math and mechanical skills, stamina, and have completed an apprenticeship and technical training. Workers in the sheet metal industry are expected to stay current in their field through a combination of formal education, self-study, and frequent communication with peers. They could work in fields ranging from production to maintenance.
In Australia, sheet metal workers can earn a maximum of $48,596 per year, on average $25,000 per year. They can work during the week and have the weekends off by working eight hours a day, five days a week. Extra hours worked here and there can boost their annual salary and overall output. There are over 13,000 vacancies annually despite the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 1% increase in employment for sheet metal workers over the next several years. Consider the importance of manufacturing in your area and load up on math and metalworking courses in high school if you're thinking about a career as a sheet metal worker. Training in metalworking and woodworking can be very beneficial, as can experience gained through sheet metal work.
Content Summary
- If you want to get your career in sheet metal off to a good start, you should know that there is no one-size-fits-all route to this profession.
- Steel, aluminium, and other alloyed metals are among the sheet metals used by sheet metal workers in the creation, repair, and installation of their products.
- In addition, we'll go over the wage ranges and job prospects for those seeking a career as a sheet metal worker.
- Prospective metalworkers may study their craft after high school either via on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
- Local chapters of the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National Association or the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association provide apprenticeship programmes for anyone interested in a career in the construction industry.
- Choosing the right sort of sheet metal for the job at hand is essential.
- Sheet metal workers receive specialised training and must wear protective gear to ensure their safety on the job.
- The training for a career in sheet metal work is relatively brief and inexpensive, which is a definite pro.
- Obtaining a licence or membership in a local organisation is a prerequisite to finding work as a sheet metal worker in some communities and states.
- The apprenticeship programme for Sheet Metal Workers includes on-the-job training with an experienced professional.
- To earn a journeyperson's licence, one must complete an apprenticeship, technical training, and certification exams.
- If you have a Red Seal, you can find work as a Sheet Metal Worker in Australia.
- Working in a large manufacturing plant could be a good fit for you if you enjoy routine and the more technical aspects of sheet metal work.
- Consider the weather, the noise level, and the possibility of being distracted by other workers before accepting a job on a construction site.
- Average annual pay for sheet metal workers in Australia is around $25,000.
- When deciding whether or not to become a sheet metal worker, it is important to think about the significance of manufacturing in your area.
- If you want to work in sheet metal, one of the best ways to get there is to jump right in and learn as much as possible about the field.
- Related Job Experience Whether you're a student or a working professional, gaining experience in the field through sheet metal work could be invaluable.
- If you have skills in any of the aforementioned areas, sheet metal work may be a good fit for you.
FAQs About Metal
Most sheet metal workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those interested in becoming a sheet metal worker should take high school classes in algebra, geometry, and general vocational education courses including blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and welding.
The minimum requirement for most sheet metal working jobs is a high school diploma or equivalent. ... They learn all technical aspects of the trade, including how to operate complicated computer equipment and what types of metal are best for a particular application.
What Sheet Metal Workers Do. Sheet metal workers mark metal before drilling holes. Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.
The job can be physically demanding – you may work at considerable heights and have to lift heavy materials and equipment. As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Sheet metal workers are trained to work safely and wear special equipment to protect against injury.
A sheet metal worker is a skilled tradesman who creates, installs, and repairs sheet metal products. Most commonly these products include elements of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, although sheet metal workers also fabricate and repair products for drainage and roofing applications.