Metal fabricators select and prepare metal stock for a wide range of fabrication work such as structural steel erection, sheet metal work, welding, blacksmithing, surface finishing and repairing metal structures such as boilers and pressure vessels. Sheet metal and light metals are used as a building material for roofs, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning duct systems, guttering and downpipes, window and door frames, fasteners and flashings for homes and other buildings.
Qualification
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Sector
Residential / Commercial / Civil / Resources
What does a typical day look like?
Each day can be different and vary depending on the job, and you may be involved in:
- Marking out, cutting, shaping and joining sheet metal using hand and power tools such as shears, drill presses and laser/plasma cutting equipment
- Assembling, welding and installing metal parts and sections and sheet metal products together
- Use riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, exhaust hoods and air and heat ducts
- Follow plans, blueprints and specifications, and lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates
- Study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine job requirements
- Construct steel columns, beams and girders on commercial and industrial sites
Working conditions
- may vary and can be dirty, hot, dusty and loud and may require working in cramped spaces
Skills and personal qualities
- Be able to understand and interpret technical drawings, blueprints and plans
- Enjoy practical and manual activities using tools and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision
- Have a careful, methodical and accurate approach to work
- Good problem-solving skills
- Enjoy doing a practical job involving manual activities
- Have an awareness of safety issues, hazardous gases and working at heights
- Can work as part of a team
- Enjoy Maths, English, Design and Technology, and manual subjects such as metalwork
- Be reliable
How to get started
To become a Metals Engineering Tradesperson you will need to complete a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade.
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Boilermaker
- Welder
- Structural Steel Trades worker
- Sub-contractor
- Business owner
- Supervisor, trainer or manager of a team of fabricators