Sheet Metal Workers :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Sheet Metal Workers

Careers / Sheet Metal Workers

Summary Description


	Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Air Conditioning Installer, Sheet Metal

2.	Aircraft Metalsmith

3.	Angle Bender

4.	Apprentice, Coppersmith

5.	Apprentice, Duct Installer, Sheetmetal

6.	Apprentice, Metalsmith

7.	Apprentice, Sheet Metal Worker

8.	Apprentice, Tinsmith

9.	Assembler, Sheet Metal

10.	Aviation Metalsmith

11.	Beam Worker

12.	Ceiling Installer

13.	Chute Builder

14.	Coppersmith

15.	Cornice Maker

16.	Cowlman

17.	Duct Installer, Air Conditioning or Heating

18.	Duct Installer, Metal Work

19.	Duralumin Metalworker

20.	Extrusion Former

21.	Fabricator

22.	Fairing Man

23.	Fairing Worker

24.	Field Installer

25.	Furnace Installer, Sheet Metal Work

26.	Gutter Hanger

27.	Gutter Installer

28.	Hood Maker

29.	HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)

30.	HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)

31.	HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)

32.	Journeyman Sheetmetal Worker

33.	Layer Out

34.	Layout Worker

35.	Mechanic, Air Duct

36.	Mechanic, Dural

37.	Mechanic, Duralumin

38.	Mechanic, Sheet Metal

39.	Metal Ceiling Builder

40.	Metal Ceiling Hanger

41.	Metal Worker

42.	Metalsmith

43.	Sheet Metal Apprentice

44.	Sheet Metal Duct Installer

45.	Sheet Metal Erector

46.	Sheet Metal Fabricator

47.	Sheet Metal Former

48.	Sheet Metal Installer

49.	Sheet Metal Lay Out Worker

50.	Sheet Metal Layout Mechanic

51.	Sheet Metal Mechanic

52.	Sheet Metal Operator

53.	Sheet Metal Smith

54.	Sheet Metal Worker

55.	Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

56.	Sheetmetal Fabricator

57.	Sheetmetal Worker

58.	Shop Assistant

59.	Spouter

60.	Spouting Installer

61.	Technician, Sheet Metal

62.	Template Fitter

63.	Template Layout Worker

64.	Tin Worker

65.	Tinker

66.	Tinner

67.	Tinsmith

68.	Welder

69.	Whitesmith

Job Tasks

	Determine project requirements, including scope, assembly sequences, and required methods and materials, according to blueprints, drawings, and written or verbal instructions.

	Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, according to drawings or templates, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, and rulers.

	Maneuver completed units into position for installation, and anchor the units.

	Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction and assembly of sheet metal products.

	Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, and down spouts, in supportive frameworks.

	Select gauges and types of sheet metal or non-metallic material, according to product specifications.

	Drill and punch holes in metal, for screws, bolts, and rivets.

	Fasten seams and joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, and bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.

	Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, and drills.

	Trim, file, grind, deburr, buff, and smooth surfaces, seams, and joints of assembled parts, using hand tools and portable power tools.

	Finish parts, using hacksaws, and hand, rotary, or squaring shears.

	Develop and lay out patterns that use materials most efficiently, using computerized metalworking equipment to experiment with different layouts.

	Maintain equipment, making repairs and modifications when necessary.

	Inspect individual parts, assemblies, and installations for conformance to specifications and building codes, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.

	Shape metal material over anvils, blocks, or other forms, using hand tools.

	Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.

	Secure metal roof panels in place, and interlock and fasten grooved panel edges.

	Fasten roof panel edges and machine-made molding to structures, nailing or welding pieces into place.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		file, sand, grind, or polish metal or plastic objects

		cut metal or plastic

		fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

		stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles

		build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting

		erect scaffold

		move or fit heavy objects

		repair sheet metal products

		install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.


		examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		make independent judgment in assembly procedures

		determine project methods and procedures

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		read blueprints

		read production layouts

		read technical drawings

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities

		understand technical operating, service or repair manuals

		recognize characteristics of metals

		identify base metals for welding

		recognize characteristics of alloys

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		fabricate ducting

		fabricate sheet metal parts or items

		use precision measuring tools or equipment

		operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery

		operate sheet metal fabrication machines

		use hand or power tools

		set up and operate variety of machine tools

		use measuring devices in construction or extraction work

		use acetylene welding/cutting torch

		weld together metal parts, components, or structures

		solder metal parts or components together

		use soldering equipment

		use arc welding equipment

		use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.


		lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use combination welding procedures

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

		perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting

		perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.


		set up production equipment or machinery

		position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.


		determine material or tool requirements

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Sheet Metal Workers
	Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct systems; roofs; siding; rain gutters; downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; railroad cars; tailgates; customized precision equipment; and many other products made from metal sheets. They also may work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Although some workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance, most do all three jobs. Sheet metal workers do both construction-related sheet metal work and mass production of sheet metal products in manufacturing.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Sheet Metal Workers
	Sheet metal workers usually work a 40-hour week. Those who fabricate sheet metal products work in shops that are well-lighted and well-ventilated. However, they stand for long periods and lift heavy materials and finished pieces. Sheet metal workers must follow safety practices because working around high-speed machines can be dangerous. They also are subject to cuts from sharp metal, burns from soldering and welding, and falls from ladders and scaffolds. They are often required to wear safety glasses and must not wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that could easily be caught in a machine. They may work at a variety of different production stations to reduce the repetitiveness of the work.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

7.5% of Americans are self-employed as entrepreneurs, freelancers, contractors, or owners of small businesses.

Did you know...

You can create a Community Profile that tells other members of the MyPlan.com community a little bit about yourself.