Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Sheet metal workers work with sheet steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, etc. and their work includes the cutting of these metals by using patterns or templates as guides, as well as shaping the metal by forming, bending, beating or rolling by means of manual and CNC machinery.  
 
Following technical drawings, they draw out the shapes they need on the flat metal. They use mathematical calculations to mark out these shapes and this involves taking into account the way metal may stretch or contract.  
 
They use a range of hand and machine tools to cut and shape the metal and to drill or stamp holes. They may hammer down (planish) excess surface weld material. Some sheet metal workers specialise in more complex techniques or in operating one or more of the machines.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.
• Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.
• Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
• Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
• Trim, file, grind, deburr, buff, or smooth surfaces, seams, or joints of assembled parts, using hand tools or portable power tools.
• Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximise efficiency of systems.
• Select gauges or types of sheet metal or nonmetallic material, according to product specifications.
• Finish parts, using hacksaws or hand, rotary, or squaring shears.
• Shape metal material over anvils, blocks, or other forms, using hand tools.
• Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.

Further Information

• Sheet Metal Worker- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There are many pathways to develop towards a career in sheet metal work.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include:

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, original equipment manufacturing, OEM, welding, fabrication.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sheet Metal Work

Search for Apprenticeships

How to become an apprentice:

• You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. 
• The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
• The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
• In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Entry Requirements The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, OR
2. The successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship course
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €50k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed / Morgan McKinley/ Clark/ Sigmar/ Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here