metalworker

A metalworker is a tradesperson who fabricates, shapes, and repairs metal parts and structures. Metalworkers work in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, and maintenance. They may specialize as fabricators, welders, machinists, sheet metal workers, or boilermakers.

Typical duties include interpreting drawings and specifications, cutting, bending, and forming metal using hand tools, powered saws, shears, brakes, and rolling equipment; joining metal with welding, brazing, soldering, or bolting; and finishing surfaces by grinding, sanding, and painting. They may operate lathes, milling machines, plasma cutters, oxy-fuel torches, and CNC machines.

Materials vary from steel and aluminum to copper and alloys. Processes range from forging, casting, and rolling to stamping and machining. Finishing may involve painting, plating, anodizing, or other coatings to resist corrosion and improve appearance.

Work settings vary: fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, power plants, and repair facilities. Job titles include metalworker, fabricator, millwright, sheet metal worker, welder, machinist, and boilermaker. The role often requires reading blueprints and technical drawings and performing quality checks to ensure tolerances and safety standards are met.

Education and training typically involve an apprenticeship or vocational program, followed by on-the-job training. Certifications such as welding certifications (AWS) or other industry credentials can be required or desirable. Safety is essential and encompasses PPE, fire prevention, and hazard awareness around hot work, sparks, chemicals, and heavy equipment.