Nearly two-thirds of the jobs are found in the construction
industry; about one quarter are in manufacturing.,
Apprenticeship programs lasting 4 or 5 years are considered
the best training.
Job opportunities in construction should be good.
Nature of the Work
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.
Sheet metal workers first study plans and specifications
to determine the kind and quantity of materials they will
need. They then measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces
of sheet metal to make ductwork, countertops, and other custom
products. In an increasing number of shops, sheet metal workers
use computerized metalworking equipment. This enables them
to perform their tasks more quickly and to experiment with
different layouts to find the one that results in the least
waste of material. They cut, drill, and form parts with computer-controlled
saws, lasers, shears, and presses.
In shops without computerized equipment, and for products
that cannot be made on such equipment, sheet metal workers
make the required calculations and use tapes, rulers, and
other measuring devices for layout work. They then cut or
stamp the parts on machine tools.
Before assembling pieces, sheet metal workers check each
part for accuracy using measuring instruments such as calipers
and micrometers and, if necessary, finish it by using hand,
rotary, or squaring shears and hacksaws. After the parts have
been inspected, workers fasten seams and joints together with
welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, specially formed sheet
metal drive clips, or other connecting devices. They then
take the parts to the construction site, where they further
assemble the pieces as they install them. These workers install
ducts, pipes, and tubes by joining them end to end and hanging
them with metal hangers secured to a ceiling or a wall. They
also use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to make parts
at the worksite or to alter parts made in the shop.
Some jobs are done completely at the jobsite. When installing
a metal roof, for example, sheet metal workers measure and
cut the roofing panels that are needed to complete the job.
They secure the first panel in place and interlock and fasten
the grooved edge of the next panel into the grooved edge of
the first. Then, they nail or weld the free edge of the panel
to the structure. This two-step process is repeated for each
additional panel. Finally, the workers fasten machine-made
molding at joints, along corners, and around windows and doors
for a neat, finished effect.
In addition to installation, some sheet metal workers specialize
in testing, balancing, adjusting, and servicing existing air-conditioning
and ventilation systems to make sure they are functioning
properly and to improve their energy efficiency. Properly
installed duct systems are a key component to heating, ventilation,
and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, which causes duct installers
to sometimes be referred to as HVAC technicians. A
growing activity for sheet metal workers is building commissioning,
which is a complete mechanical inspection of a building’s
HVAC, water, and lighting systems.
Sheet metal workers in manufacturing plants make sheet metal
parts for products such as aircraft or industrial equipment.
Although some of the fabrication techniques used in large-scale
manufacturing are similar to those used in smaller shops,
the work may be highly automated and repetitive. Sheet metal
workers doing such work may be responsible for reprogramming
the computer control systems of the equipment they operate.
Working Conditions
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.
Those performing installation work do considerable bending,
lifting, standing, climbing, and squatting, sometimes in close
quarters or in awkward positions. Although duct systems and
kitchen equipment are installed indoors, the installation
of siding, roofs, and gutters involves much outdoor work,
requiring sheet metal workers to be exposed to various kinds
of weather.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Sheet metal workers learn their trade through both formal
and informal training programs. To become a skilled sheet
metal worker usually takes between 4 and 5 years of both classroom
and on-the-job training. While there are a number of different
ways to obtain this training, generally the more formalized
the training received by an individual, the more thoroughly
skilled become, and the more are likely to be in demand by
employers. For some, this training can begin in a high school,
where classes in English, algebra, geometry, physics, mechanical
drawing and blueprint reading, and general shop are recommended.
After high school, there are a number of different avenues
that one can take to obtain the necessary training. One of
the ways is to obtain a job with a contractor who will then
provide training on the job. Entry-level workers generally
start as helpers, assisting more experienced workers. Most
begin by carrying metal and cleaning up debris in a metal
shop while they learn about materials and tools and their
uses. Later, they learn to operate machines that bend or cut
metal. In time, helpers go out on the jobsite to learn installation.
Employers may send the employee to courses at a trade or vocational
school or community college to receive further formal training.
Helpers may be promoted to the journey level if they show
the requisite knowledge and skills. Most sheet metal workers
in large-scale manufacturing receive on-the-job training,
with additional class work or in-house training as necessary.
The training needed to become proficient in manufacturing
takes less time than the training for construction.
Some employers, particularly large nonresidential construction
contractors with union membership, offer formal apprenticeships.
These programs combine on-the-job training with related classroom
instruction. Usually, apprenticeship applicants must be at
least 18 years old and meet local requirements. The length
of the program, usually 4 to 5 years, varies with the apprentice’s
skill. Apprenticeship programs provide comprehensive instruction
in both sheet metal fabrication and installation. They may
be administered by local joint committees composed of the
Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and local chapters
of the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National
Association.
On the job, apprentices learn the basics of pattern layout
and how to cut, bend, fabricate, and install sheet metal.
They begin by learning to install and maintain basic ductwork
and gradually advance to more difficult jobs, such as making
more complex ducts, commercial kitchens, and decorative pieces.
They also use materials such as fiberglass, plastics, and
other nonmetallic materials. Some workers may focus on exterior
or architectural sheet metal installation. In the classroom,
apprentices learn drafting, plan and specification reading,
trigonometry and geometry applicable to layout work, the use
of computerized equipment, welding, and the principles of
heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating systems. Safety
is stressed throughout the program. In addition, apprentices
learn the relationship between sheet metal work and other
construction work.
Sheet metal workers need to be in good physical condition
and have mechanical and mathematical aptitude as well as good
reading skills. Some additional skills needed are good eye-hand
coordination, spatial and form perception, and manual dexterity
also are important. Courses in algebra, trigonometry, geometry,
mechanical drawing, and shop provide a helpful background
for learning the trade, as does related work experience obtained
in the Armed Services.
It is important for experienced sheet metal workers to keep
abreast of new technological developments, such as the use
of computerized layout and laser-cutting machines. Workers
often take additional training, provided by the union or by
their employer, to improve existing skills or to acquire new
ones.
Sheet metal workers in construction may advance to supervisory
jobs. Some of these workers take additional training in welding
and do more specialized work. Workers who perform building
and system testing are able to move into construction and
building inspection. Others go into the contracting business
for themselves. Because a sheet metal contractor must have
a shop with equipment to fabricate products, this type of
contracting business is more expensive to start than other
types of construction contracting. Sheet metal workers in
manufacturing may advance to positions as supervisors or quality
inspectors. Some of these workers may move into other management
positions.
Employment
Sheet metal workers held about 198,000 jobs in 2004. Nearly
two-thirds of all sheet metal workers were found in the construction
industry. Of those employed in construction, almost two-thirds
worked for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors;
most of the rest worked for roofing and sheet metal contractors.
Some worked for other special trade contractors and for general
contractors engaged in residential and commercial building.
One-quarter of all sheet metal workers work outside of construction
and are found in manufacturing industries, such as the fabricated
metal products, machinery, and aerospace products and parts
industries. Some sheet metal workers work for the Federal
Government.
Compared with workers in most construction craft occupations,
relatively few sheet metal workers are self-employed.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities are expected to be good for sheet metal
workers in the construction industry, reflecting both employment
growth and openings arising each year as experienced sheet
metal workers leave the occupation. Opportunities should be
particularly good for individuals who acquire apprenticeship
training or who are certified welders. Job prospects in manufacturing
will not be as good because a number of manufacturing plants
that employ sheet metal workers are moving to lower wage parts
of the country or abroad and the ones that remain are becoming
more productive.
Employment of sheet metal workers is expected to increase
as fast as average, reflecting growth in the number of industrial,
commercial, and residential structures being built. The need
to install energy-efficient air-conditioning, heating, and
ventilation systems in older buildings as well as perform
other types of renovation and maintenance work also should
boost employment. In addition, the popularity of decorative
sheet metal products and increased architectural restoration
are expected to add to the demand for sheet metal workers.
Sheet metal workers in construction may experience periods
of unemployment, particularly when construction projects end
and economic conditions dampen construction activity. Nevertheless,
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. Maintenance of existing equipment—which
is less affected by economic fluctuations than is new construction—makes
up a large part of the work done by sheet metal workers. Installation
of new air-conditioning and heating systems in existing buildings
continues during construction slumps, as individuals and businesses
adopt more energy-efficient equipment to cut utility bills.
In addition, a large proportion of sheet metal installation
and maintenance is done indoors, so sheet metal workers usually
lose less worktime due to bad weather than other construction
workers do.
Earnings
In May 2004, median hourly earnings of sheet metal workers
were $17.09. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.49 and
$23.89. The lowest 10 percent of all sheet metal workers earned
less than $9.80, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$30.78. The median hourly earnings of the largest industries
employing sheet metal workers in May 2004 were as follows:
Federal executive branch and United
States Postal Service
$20.75
Building equipment contractors
18.04
Building finishing contractors
17.41
Foundation, structure, and building
exterior contractors
15.34
Architectural and structural metals
manufacturing
15.14
Apprentices normally start at about 40 to 50 percent of the
rate paid to experienced workers. As apprentices acquire more
skills throughout the course of their training, they receive
periodic increases until their pay approaches that of experienced
workers. In addition, union workers in some areas receive
supplemental wages from the union when they are on layoff
or shortened workweeks.
Related Occupations
To fabricate and install sheet metal products, sheet metal
workers combine metalworking skills and knowledge of construction
materials and techniques. Other occupations in which workers
lay out and fabricate metal products include assemblers and
fabricators; machinists; machine setters, operators, and tenders—metal
and plastic; and tool and die makers. Construction occupations
requiring similar skills and knowledge include glaziers and
heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and
installers.
Sources of Additional Information
For more information about apprenticeships or other work
opportunities, contact local sheet metal contractors or heating,
refrigeration, and air-conditioning contractors; a local of
the Sheet Metal Workers International Association; a local
of the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National
Association; a local joint union-management apprenticeship
committee; or the nearest office of your State employment
service or apprenticeship agency.
For general and training information about sheet metal workers,
contact:
International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and
Air-Conditioning Industry, 601 N. Fairfax St., Suite 240,
Alexandria, VA 22314. Internet: http://www.sheetmetal-iti.org/
National Center for Construction Education and Research,
P.O. Box 141104, Gainesville FL, 32614-1104. Internet: http://www.nccer.org/
Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors’ National
Association, 4201 Lafayette Center Dr., Chantilly, VA 20151-1209.
Internet: http://www.smacna.org/
Sheet Metal Workers International Association, 1750 New
York Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20006. Internet: http://www.smwia.org/
Source: Bureau of
Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition
