SHEETMETAL WORKERS California Occupational Guide Number 49 Interest Area 5-C 1995
THE JOB
SHEET METAL WORKERS perform all operations necessary to make, install, and repair a wide variety of sheet-metal products. When fabricating a product, they select a suitable sheet of material and lay out the work, following blueprints, sketches, work orders or verbal instructions. They locate and mark reference points, using shop mathematics, to calculate angles and curves. Next, they cut the flat material and shape it into a three dimensional form, using hand and power-driven tools and fabricating machines. Finally, they assemble and rivet, weld, bolt, solder or bond parts together and smooth or polish the surface. When installing a completed unit, workers maneuver and anchor it in place. When repairing sheet-metal equipment, they determine the source of trouble and make any modifications required either at the site or in the shop. Most of these workers are employed by contractors who specialize in sheet-metal equipment for residential, industrial, or commercial buildings. Much of this work involves installation of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, as well as architectural sheet-metal products, such as roofing, siding and drains. Industrial sheet-metal work also includes fabrication and installation of heavy production equipment, such as tanks, hoppers, machine guards, chutes and conveyers. Some journey-level workers specialize in stainless steel work, particularly kitchen and food processing equipment, for hotels, restaurants or food products manufacturers. Work with stainless steel requires careful handling and precision techniques.
Many sheet metal parts can be bought in standard sizes and shapes. These are rapidly assembled at the job site, requiring only slight modification to achieve a good fit. Because residential components are particularly easy to mass produce, they are inexpensive and widely available. As a result, residential Sheet Metal Workers may do only on-site installation, frequently using flexible duct instead of more expensive, custom parts. Other materials, such as fiberglass and plastic, are finding their way into the industry. In contrast, commercial and industrial items are typically designed to meet unique specifications, and usually require custom fabrication.
Another large group of Sheet Metal Workers are employed in private and Federal shipyards, and a small number are employed in railroad shops. They build, install and repair ventilating ducts, compartments and other sheet metal portions of ships or railroad equipment. Workers who have additional metal-working skills are sometimes employed as general maintenance mechanics in large establishments. They inspect and maintain equipment, and make repairs when necessary. They overhaul equipment periodically, keep it in working order and make repairs on site. A few highly skilled workers are employed by sheet metal product manufacturers to develop and lay out new patterns and supervise production.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Sheet Metal Workers may work alone or with others, inside or outside, in a shop or at the job site. Most shops have adequate lighting, ventilation, and machinery safeguards, but may be unheated, oily, greasy and noisy. At job sites, work may be performed from high ladders and scaffolding, or in confined areas. These workers do much standing, walking and climbing and are subject to cuts, burns, falls and harmful noise.
Sheet Metal Workers often belong to the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 22,750 Estimated number of workers in 2005 24,140 Projected Growth 1990-2005 6% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 10,510
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The outlook for this occupation in the next ten years is one of slow growth. The growth rate is expected to be considerably lower than the average rate for all occupations during the 1990-2005 employment projection period. In the past few years, the traditional methods of manufacturing components in the shop and installing them at the work site have given way to more modern methods. Many units are now made with standard-sized, pre-manufactured parts, thus Sheet Metal Workers spend less time in the shop fabricating parts. On the other hand, demand for workers could increase as businesses and individuals convert to energy efficient devices. Continued advances in technology may further limit demand.
The overwhelming majority of job opportunities will result from the need to replace experienced workers who retire, change jobs or are promoted. Openings are generally more plentiful during the height of the construction season, roughly, from March until November. Few openings occur during the winter months or the rainy season.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Hourly wages for Sheet Metal Workers can vary widely depending on unionization. Apprentices can earn from $4.50 to $18.00. Wages for experienced workers, including journey-level, range from about $6 to $35 per hour. Generally, Sheet Metal Worker apprentices earn a five percent increase every six months until they reach journey-level status. Overtime is paid at either time-and-a-half or double the regular rate. Although hourly wages, combined with fringe benefits, are relatively high in this occupation, many jobs last only through peak construction seasons.
AREA WAGE LIST
This list depicts wages for several areas:
Golden Sierra Consortium* $6.00 - $16.50/hr. Merced County 4.50 - 16.00/hr. North Central Consortium** 5.00 - 16.00/hr. Sacramento/Yolo Counties 6.00 - 24.00/hr. Santa Clara County 5.00 - 35.00/hr.
_______________________ * Golden Sierra Consortium includes the counties of Alpine, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, and Sierra. **North Central Consortium includes the counties of Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Sutter, and Yuba.
Benefits for almost all Sheet Metal Workers include paid vacation, sick leave and medical and dental insurance. Most have at least partially paid retirement and vision and life insurance.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Physical fitness, mechanical aptitude, and good spatial perception are essential for Sheet Metal Workers. Completion of a four-year, formal apprenticeship program is the general requirement for journey-level status. Apprenticeship programs, administered in each area by the local Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Committee, include practical work experience supplemented by related classroom instruction.
Entrance requirements vary from one program to another, but usually include a high school diploma or equivalent, written tests and personal interviews. High school or community college courses in mathematics (through trigonometry), mechanical drawing, and metal shop are recommended to prepare for training. Some employers provide informal on-the-job training for helpers, who learn by assisting journey-level Sheet Metal Workers.
Sheet Metal Workers may be required to furnish their own hand tools.
ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities for advancement, as well as year-round employment, are enhanced if journey-level workers continue to broaden and improve their skills. Courses in blueprint reading, welding, heating and air-conditioning are particularly valuable. Some journey-level workers become supervisors; others become estimators or managers. Those who establish their own business need to get a sheet metal contractor's license from the Contractors State License Board. The license requirements include four years of journey- level experience and written examinations which test knowledge of sheet metal work and business operations.
FINDING THE JOB
Journey-level Sheet Metal Workers may find work by registration with the union, by direct application to employers, or through the California Employment Development Department Job Match program. Apprenticeship candidates are advised to consult with local offices of the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards and Federal Job Information Centers.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 1193 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 703-4251
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Refrigeration Mechanics No. 32 Solar Energy System Installers No. 458
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Sheet Metal Worker 804.281-010 Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice (any ind) 804.281-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Sheet Metal Workers 891320
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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