Workers in this field fabricate, instal, and repair a wide variety of metal sheet goods, including HVAC duct systems, roofs, siding, rain gutters, downspouts, skylights, restaurant appliances, outdoor signage, train carriages, tailgates, specialised precision equipment, and more. They could also deal with plastics and fibreglass. While some employees may focus only on fabrication, installation, or maintenance, the vast majority of workers do all three. Sheet metal workers are needed in the construction industry as well as in factories where sheet metal items are mass-produced.
Sheet metal workers are experienced craftspeople who design, fabricate, instal, and maintain items made from sheet metal. Sheet metal workers create and repair a wide variety of goods, including those used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, as well as in other fields, such as plumbing and roofing. Some sheet metal workers are highly trained artisans, while others conduct lower-skilled metal assembly labour on assembly lines.
Melbourne sheet metal fabrication - Austgen
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Sheet Metal Worker Earn?
Sheet metal workers earned a median hourly salary of $19.37 in May 2008. Half of all workers earned anything from $14.39 to $27.03 per week. The lowest 10% of sheet metal workers made less than $11.43, while the wealthiest 10% earned more than $35.36.
Apprentices often begin their careers earning 40-50% of the rate provided to more seasoned professionals. Pay for apprentices improves gradually as they learn new abilities, eventually matching that of experienced professionals.
About a third of the industry as a whole, 32%, is unionised. In certain regions, union employees who are laid off or have their workweek reduced are compensated by the union for their lost income.
Sheet metal workers made a median yearly salary of $43,290 in May 2012. One definition of the median pay is the salary at which half of the employees in a profession earn more and half earn less. At the other end of the spectrum, 10% of the population made above $74,740 while 10% made less than $25,310.
Apprentices in the sheet metal industry often earn between 40 and 50 percent of what a fully trained worker makes at the beginning of their careers.
Most, if not all, of the sheet metal workers out there have steady, full-time jobs. People who work in manufacturing have better access to supplementary income sources, such as profit sharing, overtime pay, and production incentives.
What Are the Types of Sheet Metal Workers?
Fabrication sheet metal workers create ducts, gutters, and other metal products. They are also known as precision sheet metal workers. The vast majority of workers use machinery and tools in workshops and factories. Large-scale manufacturing may employ some of the same fabrication methods as smaller businesses, although the job may be highly automated and repetitive. Many modern manufacturing facilities employ automated equipment and advanced software like computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) to get their jobs done.
Sheet metal workers in the installation industry are responsible for putting in HVAC ducts. In addition to installing metal roofing, siding, and gutters, they also instal additional sheet metal items. Their specialities are in building and remodelling.
Sheet metal workers in maintenance repair and clean vents to make the systems more energy efficient. It is the job of maintenance staff to clean the ductwork, ensure that it is dry, and repair any holes or leaks in the sheet metal that makes up the ducts.
Specialists in sheet metal testing and balancing guarantee effective heating and cooling by ensuring the smooth flow of air via ducts made of metal. The profile on heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers contains data on people who work in the field.
What Are the Other Responsibilities of a Sheet Metal Worker?
Sheet Metal Workers, in addition to their "normal day," often fabricate parts for high-efficiency wind turbine systems. Additionally, they may be responsible for equipment upkeep, including minor repairs and tweaks as needed.
Shears, hammers, punches, and drills are just a few of the tools used by Sheet Metal Workers on a weekly to monthly basis as they create or change components at construction sites. Furthermore, they move prefabricated components to job locations for final assembly and installation.
Flashing, pipes, tubes, HVAC ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, and downspouts are just some of the assembly they put in place in structural frames.
Despite variations in precise responsibilities, many roof installers must move finished roofing pieces into place.
Some Sheet Metal Workers are also responsible for conducting mechanical inspections of a building's plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems as part of its commissioning process.
What Does a Sheet Metal Worker Do?
As the first step in any project, sheet metal workers must examine blueprints and specifications to determine what kind and how much metal will be required. By precisely measuring, cutting, bending, shaping, and fastening metal sheets, sheet metal workers create ducting, countertops, and other unique products. Computers are used by sheet metal workers for everything from controlling the machinery to writing the programmes that run the programmes. Computers run machines like saws, lasers, shears, and presses to do the actual cutting, drilling, and forming.
When computers are not available or when making a product that cannot be made with such technology, sheet metal workers do layout work by hand using tools like tape measures, rulers, and calculators. After that, they use machines to cut or stamp the parts.
Sheet metal workers use measuring tools like tape measures, callipers, and micrometres to ensure accuracy before assembly. When necessary, hacksaws and other shears and squaring tools are used to finish the job. After the components have been inspected, workers will use welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, or other joining devices to ensure the integrity of the seams and joints. Prior to installation, the parts undergo one last round of assembly. These workers connect the ends of the ducts, pipes, and tubes they are installing and suspend them from metal hangers secured to the ceiling or wall. Along with this, they use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to make or alter things on the job.
The office is the only place where certain jobs can be done. Fabricators of metal roofs, for instance, frequently measure and cut roofing panels to size while on the job site. The first panel acts as a stopper, and the rest are fastened into place by interlocking with one another and locking into grooves along their edges. As a next step, they nail or weld the panel's flimsy edge to the structure. Every subsequent panel follows the same two-step process. Moulding will be installed at the joints, corners, and around the windows and doors using machines as the final step.
Those skilled in sheet metal work can typically be found in the building and metalworking industries, as well as in manufacturing. They are generally well-rounded in all three areas, though many have a preference for either fabrication, installation, or maintenance. On the other hand, workers in traditional manufacturing sheet metal are typically untrained and restricted to performing a single, repetitive task. All sheet metal workers use the same general class of specialised equipment to cut, shape, and weld metal sheets into finished products with varied commercial and industrial applications.
Fabricating sheet metal requires the worker to first create their own drawings or blueprints and then review any requirements that have been laid out. They specify what sort of manufacturing process, machinery, and metal are needed. Following the detailed measurements and cutting instructions in the blueprints, the materials are fabricated. Tape measures, rulers, and electronic stamping machines are used for precise sizing. The following step involves making clean cuts with saws, plasma cutters, and drills. Sheet metal workers sometimes do this by hand, but increasingly they are turning to computer-controlled machinery. After that, if necessary, workers will bend the metal into the desired shape. Pre-assembly measurements with tools like callipers and micrometres guarantee precision. After all of a product's parts have been manufactured and tested, they are assembled with the help of fasteners like screws, rivets, bolts, and welds.
From the factory or sheet metal shop, workers bring the finished products to the construction site for installation. In the event that the product is shipped in multiple pieces, workers will need to connect various ducts, seams, and tubes. Components are joined at both ends, then raised or lowered into place. After that, metal hangers and brackets are used by the worker to secure the items. There is often no choice but to make alterations or upgrades on the spot. They use tools like punches, drills, hammers, and welding equipment to ensure that the machinery is set up correctly and is completely secure. On-site fabrication is common, followed by welding, interlocking, or bolting to secure the structure.
Although most sheet metal workers focus on new construction, some specialise in testing, balancing, adjusting, and maintaining existing HVAC systems to ensure they are operating correctly and to increase their energy efficiency. Technicians who work on HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems are often referred to as "duct installers" because of their primary responsibility of ensuring that ducts are installed properly. Sheet metal workers are in high demand, especially in the expanding industry of building commissioning, which entails a comprehensive mechanical assessment of the HVAC, water, and lighting systems.
Workers who specialise in working with metal sheets in factories produce metal parts used in a wide variety of products, including appliances, automobiles, and other machines. Some of the same fabrication techniques used by smaller businesses could be used by manufacturers on a grander scale; however, the work could be highly automated and repetitive. In the sheet metal industry, workers who perform these duties may be asked to update the software that manages the machines they use.
What Is the Workplace of a Sheet Metal Worker Like?
The standard workweek for a sheet metal worker is 40 hours. Sheet metal workers often operate in well-lit, airy spaces inside smaller factories or workshops. Still, they are on their feet for extended periods of time and must carry heavy raw materials and final products. Installers at construction sites or in buildings spend a lot of time in difficult postures, requiring them to bend, lift, stand, climb, and crouch. Sheet metal workers are often forced to endure all types of weather conditions in the course of their employment.
Since this field experiences a higher than average number of nonfatal injuries, it is imperative that employees in the sheet metal industry adhere to all safety regulations. High-speed machinery poses a risk for certain sheet metal workers. Others risk injury by falling from heights or being hurt by sharp objects when soldering or welding. Workers in factories are often reminded to put on safety goggles and told to avoid wearing jewellery or baggy clothes that might get trapped in machinery. Working at several manufacturing stations might help them prevent repeated stress injuries.
It is rare for construction workers to have to reschedule their shifts due to bad weather since they normally perform their duties inside, and they do it at the conclusion of a project. However, roofers and other workers who instal metal on outside buildings sometimes have to adapt their schedules to avoid bad weather.
Working with sheet metal requires a lot of manual labour. Installing items requires workers to stand for lengthy periods of time, bend down, and even crawl into tight locations. Sheet metal workers adhere to stringent safety standards because to the dangers of burns, wounds from sharp metal, and falls on building sites. The construction and metal-preparation industries provide a risky and, at times, unpleasant work environment, with both noise and harmful gases to contend with.
In 2012, there were roughly 142,300 jobs available for those skilled in sheet metal work. About 59% had jobs related to construction, while 27% were factory workers.
Fabricators of sheet metal often toil away in airy, confined spaces like workshops and factories. They often need to stand for lengthy periods of time and move big objects. Sheet metal installers at construction sites sometimes need to stoop, kneel, and stand in precarious positions. The weather may be unpredictable, which can be dangerous for sheet metal installers who work outside.
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Does It Require Education and Training?
It takes an average of four to five years of schooling and work experience in the field before an individual can confidently call themselves a sheet metal construction worker. This education can be obtained in a number of ways, but in general, the more formal the education, the more thorough the student's knowledge, and the more in demand the student will be by potential employers. High schools are often the first stop for students on their path to higher education, and students are strongly advised to enrol in foundational subjects such as English, mathematics, physics, shop, and mechanical drawing and blueprint reading.
After finishing high school, students can choose from a variety of educational paths. Hire a company that will train you while you work. The standard entry-level job for those entering the workforce is to work as an assistant to an established professional. The majority of newcomers to the metal industry gain experience with a variety of tools and materials while transporting metal and cleaning up scrap. At a later stage, learners acquire the competence required to operate machinery used for metal shaping and cutting. Apprentices gain practical experience during the installation process as they gain knowledge on the job. Employers frequently foot the bill for their employees' formal education at local community colleges and vocational institutes. A competent assistant may be elevated to the journeyman tier. Most sheet metal workers in mass production learn their craft on the job, with the help of supplementary classroom instruction and in-house workshops. There is a shorter time commitment involved in gaining manufacturing competence compared to gaining construction manufacturing competence of the same level.
Apprenticeship programmes combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. A common age requirement for participation in apprenticeship programmes is 18 years of age or older. The duration of the programme ranges from four to five years, depending on the apprentice's current skill level. An apprenticeship is the best way to learn the ins and outs of sheet metal fabrication and installation. Local joint committees overseeing the programmes may be formed by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association and regional chapters of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association.
Depending on the company, a sheet metal worker may specialise in a variety of tasks. Commercial and residential air conditioning and heating, industrial welding and fabrication, exterior and architectural sheet metal installation, sign building, servicing and refrigeration, and testing and balancing of building systems are all areas where professionals in this field may choose to specialise.
Apprentices receive orientation on how to stay safe in the workplace, then learn the basics of their chosen profession. They use polymers and fibreglass instead of metal. Professionals in the sheet metal industry often focus on one particular field. Apprentices learn the basics of HVAC systems, as well as welding, using computerised equipment, and interpreting plans and specifications. They also learn trigonometry and geometry as they apply to layout work. Apprentices learn not only the specifics of sheet metal work but also the larger context of the construction industry.
People in the manufacturing sector are more likely to learn their trade on the job or at a technical college, while those in the construction sector are more likely to complete an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships for aspiring sheet metal workers typically last four or five years. Apprentices must complete 246 hours of annual relevant technical education in addition to 1,700 to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices receive instruction in the fundamentals, such as reading blueprints, performing basic algebra, adhering to code requirements, and performing safe work practises and first aid.
Workers who have completed an apprenticeship and are now considered "journeymen" in the field of sheet metalwork have demonstrated their competence through extensive experience and training.
There are numerous corporations and unions that offer apprenticeship programmes. It is common for apprenticeship programmes to accept applicants as long as they are at least 18 years old and have completed high school (high school diploma or equivalent).
Apprenticeships are typically pursued by recent high school graduates or those with a GED, though some people gain experience in the field by working as assistants first.
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What Are the Other Skills Required?
The sheet metal industry demands its workers to be in peak physical condition and to have excellent mechanical, mathematical, and reading skills. Skill with one's hands, the ability to perceive depth, and a good sense of spatial awareness are also essential. Gaining work experience in the military is helpful, and a strong foundation in mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mechanical drawing, and shop) is essential.
How to Enhance Advance (Advancement)?
Sheet metal workers, even those with experience, need to stay up with technical advances like laser cutting and computer-aided design. BIM, which stands for "building information modelling," is innovative software that facilitates collaboration amongst construction professionals.
Employees who have earned certification in a relevant field may also benefit. There are a number of organisations that provide certifications in sheet metal speciality; many are referenced in the "Further Reading" section below.
In the construction industry, sheet metal workers have the potential to rise to managerial positions. Some of these professionals go on to specialise in welding after receiving extra education in the field. Professionals in the field of building and system testing often find rewarding careers in building inspection and new construction. Some people choose to start their own contracting firms. Sheet metal contractors have higher startup costs than other construction contractors because they need a place to store their tools and equipment.
Those who work with sheet metal in manufacturing have opportunities to rise to management or quality control roles. These employees may be promoted to higher managerial roles.
What Is the Chance of Job Employment of a Sheet Metal Worker?
In 2008, there were around 170,700 employment available for people who worked with sheet metal. Sixty-three percent of sheet metal workers were employed in the construction industry; nearly half of these people were employed by plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors. The remaining construction-related sheet metal workers were primarily employed by roofing and building finishing firms. Some of them worked for general contractors that specialised in commercial and residential construction.
About 23% of the sheet metal workforce was employed in the manufacturing sector. This includes the aerospace, automotive, and equipment sectors. The Federal government employs some sheet metal workers.
In the construction industry, sheet metal workers are not as likely to be self-employed as those in other trades.
How Does This Job Grow?
Slower than the average for all professions, the employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow by 6 percent between 2008 and 2018. This shift reflects the increased amount of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings that are expected to be developed during the next decade. It also represents the need to replace inefficient HVAC systems in older buildings with newer, more energy-efficient ones and to execute other repair and maintenance tasks on these systems. The need for sheet metal workers is anticipated to rise as a result of rising interest in restoring older buildings and the rising appeal of ornamental sheet metal goods.
However, sheet metal workers in manufacturing are predicted to see a small drop in employment as the sector becomes increasingly automated and part of the labour is outsourced to other nations.
Prospects for sheet metal workers in the construction sector are excellent due to both job growth and annual vacancies caused by the retirement or departure of experienced personnel. Those who have completed an apprenticeship or are qualified welders should have the best of luck finding work in this field. There will be stiff competition for industrial sector positions.
Periods of unemployment are possible for sheet metal workers in the construction industry, especially after a project's completion or if the economy causes a slowdown in building activity. Nonetheless, sheet metal workers are less vulnerable to construction downturns than other construction vocations since a substantial portion of their work involves maintaining existing equipment. More and more people and companies are installing new air conditioning and heating systems in their buildings since doing so reduces their monthly electricity costs. Since most sheet metal installation and maintenance takes place inside, sheet metal workers are less likely to be impacted by inclement weather.
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Conclusion
Sheet metal workers are skilled artisans who create, install, and maintain a wide variety of metal sheet products, including those used in HVAC duct systems, roofing, siding, rain gutters, downspouts, skylights, restaurant appliances, outdoor signage, train carriages, tailgates, specialised precision equipment, and more. They're essential in the building trades and manufacturing facilities that mass-produce sheet metal goods. In May 2008, they made a median hourly wage of $19.37, with half of all employees making between $14.39 and $27.03 weekly. 10% of sheet metal workers made less than $11.43, while 10% made more than $35.36 per hour. When they first start out, apprentices in the sheet metal industry typically make between 40 and 50 percent of what a fully trained worker makes.
Sheet metal workers fabricate ducts, gutters, and other metal products with great precision. Roofing, siding, and gutter installation are just some of the tasks that require them to use the machinery and tools found in workshops and factories. To further improve the system's energy efficiency, they also repair and clean vents. They also test and balance sheets of metal, transport components to construction sites, and fabricate parts for high-efficiency wind turbine systems. As part of the commissioning process, they also perform mechanical inspections of the building's plumbing, electrical, or climate control systems.
To fabricate one-of-a-kind items, sheet metal workers use precise measuring, cutting, bending, shaping, and fastening techniques. The machines do the actual cutting, drilling, and forming while the computers are used for control and to write the programmes. Before beginning assembly, a sheet metal worker will use precision instruments like callipers, micrometres, and tape measures to ensure everything is exactly as it should be. Welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, and other joining devices are used to ensure the seams and joints are secure after the components have been inspected. They attach metal hangers to the ceiling or wall, then connect the ends of the ducts, pipes, and tubes they are installing.
In the end, machines are used to install moulding at the joints, corners, and around the windows and doors. Sheet metal workers are trained in the disciplines of fabrication, installation, and maintenance; they operate specialised machinery to cut, form, and weld metal sheets into final products with a wide range of commercial and industrial uses. They have a solid foundation in all three areas, but are typically untrained and limited to carrying out a single, routine task. In order to fabricate sheet metal, one must first conduct their own research and draw up their own plans. They use saws, plasma cutters, and drills to make clean cuts, then they bend the metal into the desired shape, and finally, they take measurements with callipers and micrometres before putting everything together to ensure accuracy.
A variety of fasteners including screws, rivets, bolts, and welds are used to put everything together after it has been manufactured and tested. Workers transport the finished goods from the factory or sheet metal shop to the construction site. Common methods of construction include on-site fabrication, followed by welding, interlocking, or bolting. As well as focusing on new construction, sheet metal workers often specialise in the testing, balancing, adjusting, and maintaining of existing HVAC systems to ensure their proper operation and increase energy efficiency. As the field of building commissioning continues to grow, the need for these professionals, who are also known as "duct installers," increases.
Typically working in well-lit, airy spaces within smaller factories or workshops, sheet metal workers put in a standard 40-hour week. They spend a lot of time on their feet carrying bulky materials and finished goods. All kinds of weather can be encountered on the job, and sheet metal workers must be prepared to work in any conditions while still following all safety rules. Roofers and other workers who install metal on exterior buildings occasionally have to adjust their schedules to avoid bad weather, but this is unusual for construction workers as a whole. Burns, cuts from sharp metal, and falls are all potential hazards for sheet metal workers, so they must follow strict safety standards.
There were 142,300 jobs open to those with sheet metal work experience in 2012. Of those, 59% were in the construction industry, and 27% were in manufacturing. Sheet metal construction typically requires four to five years of training and experience before one can call themselves an expert in the field. Students should take introductory courses in English, mathematics, physics, shop, and mechanical drawing and blueprint reading during their time in high school, which is often the first stop on the path to higher education. Those who have completed their high school education have many options. Entry-level workers typically start out in the workforce by serving as an assistant to an already-established member of staff.
Paid on-the-job training is paired with related classroom instruction in an apprenticeship programme. There is a flexibility in the programme length between four and five years, depending on the apprentice's starting point. A sheet metal worker's area of expertise can vary widely depending on the company.
Sheet metal worker apprenticeships typically last four to five years and involve 1,700 to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training in addition to 246 hours of annual relevant technical education. They learn the fundamentals, like how to read blueprints and do simple math, as well as how to follow regulations and practise safe methods of construction and administer first aid. Physical fitness, mechanical, mathematical, and reading proficiency, manual dexterity, depth perception, and spatial awareness also come in handy. Sheet metal workers, to move forwards, need to keep up with technological developments such as laser cutting and computer-aided design.
Sheet metal workers held about 170,700 positions in 2008. Over two-thirds of the sheet metal workforce was employed in the building trades, and nearly half of those workers were hired by HVAC, plumbing, and other similar businesses. Some federal employees also work in the sheet metal industry, which employs 23% of the workforce. Individuals who work in sheet metal are statistically less likely to be self-employed than those who work in other trades. As more and more commercial, industrial, and residential buildings are built and older, less efficient HVAC systems are replaced, the demand for sheet metal workers is expected to rise by 6% between 2008 and 2018.
This is because there has been a recent uptick in demand for ornamental sheet metal items, as well as a general trend towards the restoration of older buildings. Job growth and annual vacancies caused by the retirement or departure of experienced personnel bode well for sheet metal workers in the construction sector, but competition for positions in the industrial sector will be fierce. Due to the fact that their job entails maintaining already existing equipment, sheet metal workers are less susceptible to construction downturns than other construction occupations, especially when it comes to bad weather.
Content Summary
- Sheet metal workers are needed in the construction industry as well as in factories where sheet metal items are mass-produced.
- Sheet metal workers are experienced craftspeople who design, fabricate, instal, and maintain items made from sheet metal.
- Sheet metal workers made a median yearly salary of $43,290 in May 2012.
- Fabrication sheet metal workers create ducts, gutters, and other metal products.
- Sheet metal workers in the installation industry are responsible for putting in HVAC ducts.
- Sheet metal workers in maintenance repair and clean vents to make the systems more energy efficient.
- Sheet Metal Workers, in addition to their "normal day," often fabricate parts for high-efficiency wind turbine systems.
- Computers are used by sheet metal workers for everything from controlling the machinery to writing the programmes that run the programmes.
- After that, they use machines to cut or stamp the parts.
- Prior to installation, the parts undergo one last round of assembly.
- Along with this, they use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to make or alter things on the job.
- Those skilled in sheet metal work can typically be found in the building and metalworking industries, as well as in manufacturing.
- From the factory or sheet metal shop, workers bring the finished products to the construction site for installation.
- Sheet metal workers are in high demand, especially in the expanding industry of building commissioning, which entails a comprehensive mechanical assessment of the HVAC, water, and lighting systems.
- Since this field experiences a higher than average number of nonfatal injuries, it is imperative that employees in the sheet metal industry adhere to all safety regulations.
- High-speed machinery poses a risk for certain sheet metal workers.
- Working at several manufacturing stations might help them prevent repeated stress injuries.
- Working with sheet metal requires a lot of manual labour.
- In 2012, there were roughly 142,300 jobs available for those skilled in sheet metal work.
- It takes an average of four to five years of schooling and work experience in the field before an individual can confidently call themselves a sheet metal construction worker.
- Hire a company that will train you while you work.
- The standard entry-level job for those entering the workforce is to work as an assistant to an established professional.
- Most sheet metal workers in mass production learn their craft on the job, with the help of supplementary classroom instruction and in-house workshops.
- An apprenticeship is the best way to learn the ins and outs of sheet metal fabrication and installation.
- Depending on the company, a sheet metal worker may specialise in a variety of tasks.
- Apprentices receive orientation on how to stay safe in the workplace, then learn the basics of their chosen profession.
- Apprentices learn not only the specifics of sheet metal work but also the larger context of the construction industry.
- Employees who have earned certification in a relevant field may also benefit.
- There are a number of organisations that provide certifications in sheet metal speciality; many are referenced in the "Further Reading" section below.
- In the construction industry, sheet metal workers have the potential to rise to managerial positions.
- Some of these professionals go on to specialise in welding after receiving extra education in the field.
- Those who work with sheet metal in manufacturing have opportunities to rise to management or quality control roles.
- In 2008, there were around 170,700 employment available for people who worked with sheet metal.
- About 23% of the sheet metal workforce was employed in the manufacturing sector.
- In the construction industry, sheet metal workers are not as likely to be self-employed as those in other trades.
- Slower than the average for all professions, the employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow by 6 percent between 2008 and 2018.
- However, sheet metal workers in manufacturing are predicted to see a small drop in employment as the sector becomes increasingly automated and part of the labour is outsourced to other nations.
- Prospects for sheet metal workers in the construction sector are excellent due to both job growth and annual vacancies caused by the retirement or departure of experienced personnel.
- Periods of unemployment are possible for sheet metal workers in the construction industry, especially after a project's completion or if the economy causes a slowdown in building activity.
- Since most sheet metal installation and maintenance takes place inside, sheet metal workers are less likely to be impacted by inclement weather.
FAQs About Metal
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.
Sheet Metal Workers are also known as: Sheet Metal Mechanic Journeyman Sheetmetal Worker HVAC Sheet Metal Installer Sheet Metal Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator Sheet Metal Installer.
There are six major types of sheet metal material, each with its own unique advantages: Alloy steel. Stainless steel. Carbon steel.
The thickness of sheet metal starts from 0.5 mm and goes up to 6 mm. Anything above that is a metal plate. The thin sheet metal is easy to form, while still providing great strength.
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.