Aluminum fabricators who have a combination of education and training in the field of metal working are in high demand. This is accomplished through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience that does not always occur in a formal education setting. Some aluminum fabricators can take advantage of apprenticeship programs to improve their skills. Certain skills, such as the ability to work with machinery, understand diagrams, and work with your hands, are required if you want to become an aluminum fabricator.
To work as an aluminum fabricator, you usually need a high school diploma, and many high schools offer metal working classes that can help you get a job after graduation. Several junior colleges and technical schools offer fabrication programs that last anywhere from a few months to two years. Take these classes to gain an advantage over other potential employees being interviewed by an organization, as they teach more advanced metalworking knowledge than can be learned solely through on-the-job training. Aluminum fabricators are frequently hired or referred to potential employers by school advisers after graduation, which is a good way to get your foot in the door of a company.
Apprenticeships, which take place in facilities that already do metal work, are another way to become an aluminum fabricator. For a period of time, the apprentice is assigned to an advanced aluminum fabricator to learn the fundamentals of the trade. The apprentice can work unsupervised after a certain amount of time, but this varies depending on the organization’s policies. Rather than attending a college or technical school, this is a more hands-on approach to becoming an aluminum fabricator. Find apprenticeships by looking for companies that do metal work and asking if they have any apprentice positions available.
You must have certain natural skills, such as the ability to work with your hands, in order to become an aluminum fabricator, as this is what you will be doing for the majority of the time. To be able to work unsupervised with complex machinery, you must be able to read and understand diagrams. To avoid injuries and lift the required weight to complete the job correctly, you must be in overall good physical condition.