Sheet Metal Workers

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Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain sheet metal products in both construction and mass production manufacturing. A few of the widely varied products they work with include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning duct systems, rain gutters, downspouts, restaurant equipment, skylights, signs, and railroad cars. Many sheet metal workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance, but most are proficient in all three.

Sheet metal workers must study detailed plans and then measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces of sheet metal to make assorted products. They program and operate computerized metalworking saws, lasers, shears, and presses. In shops without computerized equipment, sheet metal workers must use tapes, rulers, calipers, and micrometers to measure; and hand, rotary, or squaring shears and hacksaws to cut. The pieces are then soldered together or fastened with welds, bolts, cement, or rivets. Some pieces, such as metal roofing, are assembled completely at the job site. Sheet metal workers must also be proficient at testing, balancing, and adjusting air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) systems.

Sheet metal workers usually work a standard 40 hour week, most often in small shops and manufacturing plants. They must stand for long periods of time, lift heavy pieces, and do a fair amount of bending, climbing, and squatting. Some work outdoors in various kinds of weather. All sheet metal workers must follow strict safety guidelines, such as wearing safety glasses and no loose clothing.

Workers learn the trade through on-the-job training programs or formal apprenticeships. Skilled sheet metal workers usually have at least four to five years experience of both on the job and in the classroom training. Training includes safety measures and procedures, computer aided drafting, blueprint reading, welding, and principles of heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.

Sheet metal workers can choose from many specialties, including commercial and residential HVAC installation and maintenance, exterior or architectural sheet metal installation, industrial welding and fabrication, service and refrigeration, sign fabrication, or testing and balancing building systems. They should be in good physical condition and possess mathematical aptitude, good eye-hand coordination, and manual dexterity.

Slower than average job growth is expected in the sheet metal industry, but opportunities will be best for workers who are certified welders or have apprenticeship training. Please visit the International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry website for more information about training for sheet metal workers.