Sheet Metal Workers
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  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; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
 
Sample Job Titles

1.

Air Conditioning Installer

2.

Air Conditioning or Heating Duct Installer

3.

Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer

4.

Air Duct Mechanic

5.

Aircraft Metalsmith

6.

Angle Bender

7.

Aviation Metalsmith

8.

Beam Worker

9.

Ceiling Installer

10.

Chute Builder

11.

Coppersmith

12.

Coppersmith Apprentice

13.

Cornice Maker

14.

Cowlman

15.

Duct Installer

16.

Dural Mechanic

17.

Duralumin Mechanic

18.

Duralumin Metalworker

19.

Extrusion Former

20.

Fairing Man

21.

Fairing Worker

22.

Field Installer

23.

Geothermal Sheet Metal Worker

24.

Gutter Hanger

25.

Gutter Installer

26.

Hood Maker

27.

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

28.

Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker

29.

Layer Out

30.

Layout Worker

31.

Metal Ceiling Builder

32.

Metal Ceiling Hanger

33.

Metal Technician

34.

Metal Work Duct Installer

35.

Metal Worker

 

36.

Metalsmith

37.

Metalsmith Apprentice

38.

Sheet Metal Apprentice

39.

Sheet Metal Assembler

40.

Sheet Metal Duct Installer

41.

Sheet Metal Duct Installer Apprentice

42.

Sheet Metal Erector

43.

Sheet Metal Fabricator

44.

Sheet Metal Foreman

45.

Sheet Metal Former

46.

Sheet Metal Installer

47.

Sheet Metal Journeyman

48.

Sheet Metal Lay Out Worker

49.

Sheet Metal Layout Mechanic

50.

Sheet Metal Layout Worker

51.

Sheet Metal Mechanic

52.

Sheet Metal Operator

53.

Sheet Metal Smith

54.

Sheet Metal Technician

55.

Sheet Metal Work Furnace Installer

56.

Sheet Metal Worker

57.

Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice

58.

Shop Assistant

59.

Spouter

60.

Spouting Installer

61.

Template Fitter

62.

Template Layout Worker

63.

Tin Worker

64.

Tinker

65.

Tinner

66.

Tinsmith

67.

Tinsmith Apprentice

68.

Whitesmith

69.

Wind Turbine Sheet Metal Worker

 
Job Tasks

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

  • Create construction or installation diagrams.

Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.

  • Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.

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

  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.

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

  • Assemble products or production equipment.
  • Weld metal components.

Develop or lay out patterns, using computerized metalworking equipment.

  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.

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

  • Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.

  • Fabricate parts or components.

Select gauges or types of sheet metal or nonmetallic material, according to product specifications.

  • Select construction materials.

Maneuver completed roofing units into position for installation.

  • Position structural components.

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

  • Fabricate parts or components.

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

  • Fabricate parts or components.

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

  • Fabricate parts or components.

Inspect individual parts, assemblies, or installations, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, or micrometers.

  • Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.

Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.

  • Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.

Verify that heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed, installed, and calibrated in accordance with green certification standards, such as those of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

  • Evaluate construction projects to determine compliance with external standards or regulations.

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

  • Install building fixtures.
  • Install plumbing or piping.

Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.

  • Train construction or extraction personnel.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.

Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.

  • Maintain construction tools or equipment.

Secure metal roof panels in place by interlocking and fastening grooved panel edges.

  • Install roofing materials.

Perform building commissioning activities by completing mechanical inspections of a building's water, lighting, or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

  • Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation.

Fasten roof panel edges or machine-made moldings to structures by nailing or welding.

  • Install roofing materials.
  • Weld metal components.

Perform sheet metal work necessary for solar panel installations.

  • Fabricate parts or components.

Install green architectural sheet metal components, such as cool roofs or hot or cold walls.

  • Install green structural components, equipment or systems.

Construct components for high-performance wind turbine systems.

  • Assemble products or production equipment.
 
Work Activities
Importance Work Activity
74
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
72
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
71
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
71
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.
70
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
69
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
65
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
65
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
64
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.
63
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
60
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
60
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
60
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
59
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
58
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.
56
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
55
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.
55
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
54
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
49
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
49
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
47
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
46
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
46
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.
46
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
44
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
44
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
43
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
43
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
43
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
42
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
42
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.
40
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
38
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.
35
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
35
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
33
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
30
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
28
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
 
 
 
Nature of the Work
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.

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Working Conditions
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal workers often lift heavy materials and stand for long periods of time. Those who install sheet metal must often bend, climb, and squat. Most work full time.

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  Source: MyPlan.com, LLC, 2019; includes information from the O*NET 20.3 database, 2016, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition. O*NET™ is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.  

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