Metal Fabrication Jobs
Metal fabrication workers cut, weld and form pieces of metal in order to create a variety of finished products and construction materials. There are many metal fabrication jobs for skilled workers, such as working on assembly lines and engaging in repetitive tasks for mass production purposes. Other metal fabrication jobs include assembling furniture and other items from raw materials. There are also metal fabrication jobs in building construction for commercial sites, storage sheds, garages, roofs and barns. The majority of fabrication is done by private repair shops, construction companies and manufacturing plants.
Education Requirements for Metal Fabricators
While people do need to be trained for metal fabrication jobs, some careers do not require a lot of secondary education, especially entry-level work. However, some employers have a greater preference toward people who successfully complete community college and vocational-school training programs. The majority of entry-level metal fabrication jobs require workers to act as assistants or apprentices for a predetermined amount of time; the maximum time period ranges from 4-5 years depending on the company. This allows new metal workers to learn the trade from experienced professionals. After a fabricator has proven to the company that they possess the necessary skills, they are allowed to work without supervision.
Private Repair Shops and Metal Fabrication Jobs
There are many metal fabrication jobs for those with years of experience in the field. One sector that is always in demand is the repair-shop industry. Fabricators who work in this specialty will fix dents, fill rusting spots and smooth the bodies of cars and airplanes before they are painted. In the event that the damage to the metal is too severe, the fabricator will need to cut, form and weld a replacement metal piece. Many times, fabricators hold knowledge in other aspects of automotive and aircraft repair. These people can also be asked to perform other job duties like painting and general mechanics.
Construction Companies and Metal Fabrication Jobs
Metal fabrication jobs are also prevalent in the construction industry. Many small companies and large firms will need various metal materials to be cut and formed. Other construction companies will ask fabricators to assemble whole structures. Metal workers will need to know how to read blueprints in order to evaluate how the metal should be measured and shaped. Most fabricators will work in groups to fasten metal structures to the tops of building foundations by utilizing an array of power and hand tools to complete the projects.
Manufacturing Plants and Metal Fabrication Jobs
There are also plenty of metal fabrication jobs to be found at manufacturing plants throughout the United States. Fabricators in a manufacturing setting will work with others on large assembly lines, preparing metal pieces and parts. Depending on the product, the fabricator will measure and cut raw metal, drill screw holes, attach pieces together, smooth parts and buff parts. Thanks to the advent of new technology that is changing the metal working industry, some fabricators who work in large plants will use robotic and computer technology in order to create exact bends, cuts and holes.
