A thin sheet of metal in the
hands of a sheet metal worker
has the potential to become
a rain gutter, a duct to carry
warm air throughout a building,
or a precision part for medical equipment.
Different job settings require
different tasks for sheet metal workers.
In construction, they are in charge
of the heating, ventilation and
air conditioning systems known as HVAC.
They install duct work, clean and repair it,
and adjust systems to ensure proper airflow.
They also install sheet metal roofs,
siding, and gutters at homes and buildings.
These sheet metal workers choose
the correct materials… measure… cut and drill
before installing finished pieces.
They are skilled at welding seams,
bolting parts into tight corners,
and riveting pieces high up.
Taking precautions against cuts,
burns, and falls is essential.
In manufacturing, fabrication
or precision sheet metal workers
operate machinery that does
the measuring, cutting and fabrication
to make precision sheet metal parts
used in industries from power generation
to medical device manufacturing.
They may program the computers
that control the equipment.
In construction and HVAC,
sheet metal workers learn their trade
through a 4-5 year apprenticeship
that combines technical
and paid on-the-job training.
Those in manufacturing often learn
on the job or at a technical school.
Most sheet metal workers
have a high school diploma or equivalent.