Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.87
• Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.85
• Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.85
• Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.82
• Tack-weld fitted parts together.81
• Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.80
• Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.78
• Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.77
• Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.77
• Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.75
• Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.75
• Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.73

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

• 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.

• Critical Thinking50

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

• Reading Comprehension50

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Monitoring47

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

• Operations Monitoring47

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Social Perceptiveness41

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Time Management41

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

• Coordination35

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Judgment and Decision Making35

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

• Operation and Control35

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Active Learning31

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

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

• Mathematics60

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

• Mechanical58

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

• Production and Processing58

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

• English Language51

  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 Management47

  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 Training45

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

• Design44

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

• Public Safety and Security43

  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.

• Customer and Personal Service41

  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.

• Engineering and Technology40

  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.

• Building and Construction34

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

• Administrative32

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness56

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

• Near Vision56

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

• Control Precision53

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

• Manual Dexterity53

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

• Multilimb Coordination53

  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.

• Static Strength53

  The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Visualization53

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

• Category Flexibility50

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

• Deductive Reasoning50

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

• Finger Dexterity50

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

• Information Ordering50

  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).

• Oral Expression50

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates79

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

• Controlling Machines and Processes78

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Handling and Moving Objects76

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials76

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

• Getting Information73

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

• Performing General Physical Activities73

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems72

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68

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

• Training and Teaching Others68

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

• Processing Information67

  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards65

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

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

• Attention to Detail82

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

• Dependability79

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

• Cautiousness65

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

• Perseverance37

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

• Achievement Orientation36

  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.

• Integrity36

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance36

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

• Self-Control26

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

• Cooperation24

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Confidence22

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

• Intellectual Curiosity12

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Initiative9

  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.

• Conventional49

  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.

• Investigative27

  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.

• Artistic12

  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.

• Enterprising2

  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 day100%

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

  • Every day76%
  • Once a week or more but not every day20%

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

  • Every day79%

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

  • Continually or almost continually79%
  • Less than half the time11%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day81%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important48%
  • Very important38%
  • Important14%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day76%
  • Once a month or more but not every week16%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours65%
  • 40 hours35%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually51%
  • More than half the time30%
  • About half the time17%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day43%
  • Once a week or more but not every day48%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others57%
  • Contact with others most of the time25%
  • Occasional contact with others15%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important49%
  • Important31%
  • Fairly important11%

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

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

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Computer aided design and drafting CADD software, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Tekla software, Three-dimensional modeling software

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

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

• American Welding Society
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
• IPC
• Metal Treating Institute
• International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
• United Steelworkers

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Millwrights
• Boilermakers
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Machinists
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Carpenters
• Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
• Operate welding equipment.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
• Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.
• Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Operate cutting equipment.
• Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
• Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Fabricator-Assembler Metal Prod
• Fitter (Mach Shop)
• Fitter I (Any Ind)
• Former, Hand (Any Ind)
• Metal Fabricator
• Plate Shop Operator
• Ship Propeller Finisher
• Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter