Sheet Metal Workers

Career summary

Sheet metal workers may also be called sheet metal fabricators.

Sheet metal workers build products used in construction. They build roofs, siding, rain gutters, restaurant equipment, and other products made from metal sheets. They may also work with fiberglass or plastic materials.

Some sheet metal workers specialize in one of the following areas, but most do all three.

Fabrication

Sheet metal workers usually fabricate their products at a shop. They study plans to determine the kind and quantity of materials they will need. They measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces of metal to make duct work, counter tops, and other custom products.

In some shops, workers use computerized equipment. This allows them to try out different layouts to find the most efficient design for products. They cut or form parts with computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears, and presses. In shops without computerized equipment, sheet metal workers use tapes, rulers, and other measuring tools for layout work. They use machine tools to cut or stamp the parts.

They finish parts with hand, rotary, or squaring shears and backsaws. Workers fasten the seams and joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, or sheet metal drive clips. They also use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to make parts at the work site, or to alter parts made in the shop.

Installation

Some jobs are done completely at the job site. For example, to install a metal roof, sheet metal workers measure and cut the roofing panels. They secure the first panel in place, and fasten the grooved edge of the next panel into the grooved edge of the first. They nail or weld the free edge of the panel to the structure. This process is repeated for each panel. They also work at the job site to install solar panels, cool walls, or wind turbines.

Maintenance

Some sheet metal workers specialize in maintaining existing cooling and ventilation, or HVAC, systems. They inspect, test, adjust, and service these systems to use less energy. They may also do inspections to make sure the HVAC systems meet green certification standards, such as LEED.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Boilermakers
• Drywall Installers
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Insulation Installers
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Roofers
• Welders and Solderers

Military careers

• Welders and Metal Workers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to sheet metal workers.

• Study plans to decide the kind and quantity of materials they will need. Change plans into drawings.
• Measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces of metal to install solar panels, make duct work, cool roofs, and other custom products.
• May use computerized metalworking equipment to experiment with different layouts or to cut and form parts.
• May use calculators, tapes, rulers, and other measuring devices for layout work. May use machine tools to cut or stamp parts.
• Check parts for accuracy. Finish parts with hand, rotary, or squaring shears and hacksaws.
• Fasten seams and joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, or sheet metal drive clips.
• Take parts to construction site for further assembly and installation.
• Use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to make or alter parts.
• Join ducts and pipes end to end. Hang them with metal hangers secured to a ceiling or wall.
• May fabricate and install some products, such as metal roofs or wind turbines, completely at the job site.
• May inspect, test, balance, adjust, and service existing air-conditioning and ventilation systems to use less energy.
• May work with fiberglass or plastic materials.
• May work according to LEED standards.

Common work activities

Sheet metal workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Teach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, sheet metal workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and results of coworkers.
• Are responsible for coworkers' health and safety.
• Communicate with coworkers daily in person.
• Often communicate with coworkers by telephone.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors and outdoors.
• Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable on a daily basis.
• Are exposed daily to hazardous equipment.
• Are often exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts or minor burns. Workers can reduce the risk by following safety procedures.
• Often are exposed to contaminants.
• Are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures on a weekly basis.
• Are often exposed to extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions.
• Are exposed to high places on a weekly basis.
• Sometimes are exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Work in indoor environments without heat or air conditioning.
• Work near other people, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from coworkers.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could result in serious injuries.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Often make decisions that affect coworkers. They are able to make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Are able to set some tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Are moderately competitive with other workers.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.
• Sometimes must keep up with the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• Usually work a 40-hour week.

Physical demands

Sheet metal workers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for sheet metal workers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for sheet metal workers to be able to:

• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Sheet metal workers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Sheet Metal Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
• Industrial Mechanics

Training

To work as a sheet metal worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program.

Education after high school

Most sheet metal workers learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

On-the-job training

Some sheet metal workers learn their skills informally on the job. In this case, you begin working as a helper and learn skills from an experienced worker. As you gain experience, you learn to cut, bend, and install sheet metal. This type of training takes years to complete.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be welders and metal workers. Training lasts four to 15 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

Entry requirements into sheet metal worker apprenticeship programs in Washington vary among different regions of the state.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked 4/18/08 lh & 4/7/09, 4/30/13, 3/31/15, 3/18/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education
• Sheet Metal

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Applicants for jobs as apprentices or helpers should be in good physical condition. They should also have mechanical and math aptitude. Good eye-hand coordination, spatial perception, and manual dexterity are also important. Apprenticeship committees require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some employers report a growing need for sheet metal workers who are certified welders.

Tips

During the summer months, some residential construction firms hire students as helpers. Training at a technical college is helpful in obtaining an apprenticeship.

Costs to workers

Workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Sheet Metal Workers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Apprentices usually start at about 40 percent of the rate paid to experienced workers. As apprentices acquire more skills, they receive pay increases.

Workers who belong to a union tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. In addition, the worker's level of skill, experience, and responsibility affect wages.

Sheet metal workers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the stability and expansion of construction and the replacement of workers who leave the occupation. Sheet metal workers are less affected by declines in new construction than other construction workers because some of their work is in the maintenance of existing equipment.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Plumbing, heating, and air conditioning companies
• Structural metal manufacturers
• Roofing, siding, and sheet metal companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be steady as more industrial, commercial, and residential structures are built. Job growth should also be boosted by the demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Sheet metal workers are needed to create and install better ducting.

Job prospects are good. There are fewer qualified workers than positions that need to be filled. Opportunities are best for workers who complete apprenticeship training.

Other resources

American Welding Society 
8669 NW 36 Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166
800.443.9353
305.443.9353

International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry 
8403 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 100
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.739.7200

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Precision Metalforming Association 
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association 
4201 Lafayette Center Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151
703.803.2980

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

Welding.com 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Sheet Metal Workers (47-2211.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Hood Maker (804.481-010) 
• Sheet-metal Worker (804.281-010) 
• Sheet-metal-worker Apprentice (804.281-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic
• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled