A sheet metal worker may work in a metal fabrication plant or on a construction site, where he or she assists in the construction and installation of various metal structures and equipment. Sheet metal workers must use their expert knowledge and follow blueprints to construct metal buildings, roofs, ventilation systems, and other important structures safely. A single worker may be required for a small project, such as installing a home heating and ventilation system, whereas large construction projects may require entire crews.
Sheet metal workers are employed by manufacturing and fabrication companies to cut, bend, and shape thin sheets of metal. In the manufacturing industry, some sheet metal workers work on assembly lines, where they perform very specific, repetitive tasks like punching holes for screws or bending gutters. To help them perform their jobs more accurately and efficiently, many fabricators use computer programs and specialized machinery.
Sheet metal workers perform all of the jobs required to construct large metal structures in the construction industry. They measure, cut, and weld metal pieces to specifications, then place them in place using cranes, forklifts, and derricks, and connect them with rivets and steel screws. Sheet metal workers may be needed to cut and install insulation, as well as make room for doorways, windows, and skylights. Furthermore, workers are frequently responsible for the maintenance and repair of existing structures.
A high school diploma or GED is usually required, as well as a strong work ethic and aptitude for construction, to work as a sheet metal worker. A community college or vocational school is a popular choice for many people who want to improve their skills. A future sheet metal worker may spend up to two years in classroom and practical training, depending on the type of school, learning about safety procedures, different tools, and specialized metalworking techniques. A sheet metal worker typically begins his or her career as an assistant at a construction or manufacturing company after completing a training program. While gaining practical knowledge from experienced sheet metal workers, assistants are frequently required to retrieve and store tools, take measurements, and cut sheets.
A formal apprenticeship with a construction company is another option for a beginning sheet metal worker. Apprenticeships are usually four years long and include paid on-the-job training from professional sheet metal workers. A new sheet metal worker becomes eligible for certification by a nationally recognized certifying board after successfully completing an apprenticeship. A worker’s chances of finding a steady job in the sheet metal industry improve with certification.