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Sheet metal workers construct metal structures and equipment in factories or construction sites. They follow blueprints and use specialized knowledge to build roofs, ventilation systems, and more. They may work alone or in teams, and may also perform maintenance and repairs. Training can be obtained through community college or vocational school, or through a formal apprenticeship program. Certification can improve job prospects.
A sheet metal worker can be employed in a metal factory or construction site where he helps build and install different types of metal structures and equipment. Sheet metal workers must follow blueprints and use their specialist knowledge to safely construct metal buildings, roofs, ventilation systems and other important structures. A small project, such as a home heating and ventilation system, may require the skills of a single worker, while entire teams may be needed for large construction projects.
Fabrication and fabrication shops hire sheet metal workers to cut, bend, and shape thin metal parts. Some sheet metal workers in the fabrication industry work on assembly lines, where they have very specific repetitive tasks, such as drilling screw holes or bend gutters. Many manufacturers use computer programs and specialized machines to help them do their jobs more accurately and efficiently.
In the construction industry, sheet metal workers perform all of the work required to build large metal structures. They measure, cut and weld metal parts to specifications, position them into place with cranes, forklifts and towers, and connect parts using rivets and steel bolts. Sheet metal workers may need to cut and fit insulation or create space for doors, windows and skylights. In addition, workers often perform maintenance and repairs on existing structures.
To become a sheet metal worker, a person typically must have a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate a strong work ethic and aptitude for construction. Many people choose to hone their skills at a community college or vocational school. Depending on the type of school, a future sheet metal worker may be involved in up to two years of classroom training and hands-on training, where they learn about safety procedures, different tools and specialist metalworking techniques. Upon completion of a training program, a person typically begins their sheet metal worker career as an assistant in a construction or manufacturing company. Assistants are often asked to retrieve and store tools, take measurements and cut sheets while gaining hands-on knowledge from experienced sheet metal workers.
Another option for an entry-level sheet metal worker is to take on a formal internship with a construction company. Apprenticeships typically last about four years and involve paid on-the-job training by professional sheet metal workers. Upon successful completion of an apprenticeship, a new sheet metal worker becomes eligible for certification by a nationally recognized certification board. Certification improves a worker’s chances of getting a steady job in the sheet metal industry.
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