Sheet Metal Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Inspect individual parts, assemblies, or installations, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, or micrometers.85
• Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.83
• Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.80
• 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.79
• Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.79
• Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, or downspouts in supportive frameworks.79
• Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.76
• Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.75
• Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.72
• Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.72
• Maneuver completed roofing units into position for installation.72
• Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.69

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Coordination53

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking53

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Judgment and Decision Making50

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Mathematics50

  Using mathematics to solve problems.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Time Management50

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Learning47

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Complex Problem Solving47

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Equipment Maintenance47

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mechanical80

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Building and Construction69

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Mathematics69

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Design66

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• English Language60

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Administration and Management53

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Education and Training53

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Production and Processing52

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Engineering and Technology51

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Computers and Electronics47

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Customer and Personal Service45

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Public Safety and Security44

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Visualization66

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness60

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Manual Dexterity60

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Multilimb Coordination60

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Finger Dexterity56

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Selective Attention56

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Category Flexibility53

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Control Precision53

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Flexibility of Closure53

  The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Getting Information93

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials86

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

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings86

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships83

  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization82

  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.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events81

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

• Training and Teaching Others81

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

• Coaching and Developing Others80

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

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment80

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards78

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates74

  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability71

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail69

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness54

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance51

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation43

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Stress Tolerance39

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Integrity36

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Confidence33

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability32

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Self-Control29

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Innovation26

  A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

• Initiative25

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional43

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative18

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic9

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social0

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day95%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually89%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually63%
  • More than half the time31%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important59%
  • Very important26%
  • Important15%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day73%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Once a week or more but not every day35%

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

  • Every day55%
  • Once a week or more but not every day24%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day53%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility52%
  • High responsibility20%
  • Moderate responsibility15%
  • No responsibility13%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually44%
  • More than half the time23%
  • About half the time21%
  • Less than half the time11%

• Time Pressure

  • Once a month or more but not every week22%

• Consequence of Error

  • Extremely serious55%
  • Serious16%
  • Fairly serious13%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk AutoCAD, PTC Creo Parametric, Siemens NX, XY Soft Sheet Cutting Suite

• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  Applied Production ProFab, JETCAM Expert, Striker Systems SS-Profile, WiCAM PN4000

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Welding Society
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers
• International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry
• National Center for Construction Education and Research

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Insulation Workers
• Insulation Workers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Carpenters
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Boilermakers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
• Maintain construction tools or equipment.
• Fabricate parts or components.
• Weld metal components.
• Assemble products or production equipment.
• Install building fixtures.
• Install plumbing or piping.
• Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
• Direct construction or extraction personnel.
• Train construction or extraction personnel.
• Mark reference points on construction materials.
• Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Sheet Metal Mechanic (Existing Title: Sheet Metal Worker)
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Sheet Metal Worker & Tinsmith (Existing Title: Sheet Metal Worker)