Job Description

Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain products made from metal sheets. They also may work with fiberglass and plastic materials. Some workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance; others do all three jobs.

Necessary Education

Apprenticeship programs lasting 4 or 5 years are considered the best training

Helpful High School Courses

English, Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Industrial Technology, Computer Applications

Working Conditions

• Usually work a 40-hour week

Those who fabricate sheet metal products:

• Work in shops that are well-lit and well-ventilated
  
• Stand for long periods and lift heavy materials
  
• Subject to injury and must follow safety practices and wear safety equipment

Those who perform installation work:

• Do considerable bending, lifting, standing, climbing, and squatting
  
• Sometimes work in close quarters
  
• May work outside and in various kinds of weather

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $38,240
  
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $18.38
  

Career Ladder Information

• Most work in the construction industry; others work in the manufacturing industry or the Federal government; few are self-employed
  
• Workers may advance to supervisory positions; take additional training in welding and do work that is more specialized; or go into the contracting business for themselves

Personal Qualities and Interests

     You:

• Have mechanical and mathematical aptitude
  
• Should be in good physical condition
  
• Have good eye-hand coordination, spatial and form perception, and manual dexterity
  
• Are willing to keep up with new technological developments
  

Did you know?

• Job opportunities should be excellent in construction
  
• Employment of sheet metal workers is less sensitive to declines in new construction than is the employment of some other construction workers, such as carpenters

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• Sheet Metal Workers International Association: http://www.smwia.org

  
  

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