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Sheet Metal Workers

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, and
using shop mathematics, 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 then 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 Sheet Metal 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
for a proper 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.

Some 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 firms.  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 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 
done from high ladders and scaffolding, or in confined areas.  Those that
install siding, roofs, and gutters may be exposed to all kinds of weather.
Since workers are subject to cuts from sharp metal, burns from soldering and
welding, and falls from ladders and scaffolds, and harmful noise, they must
follow safety practices.  Sheet Metal Workers do much standing, walking, and
climbing.  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 1993                 16,630
Estimated number of workers in 2005                 16,890
Projected Growth 1993-2005                              2%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005        3,180

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Job opportunities for apprentices and skilled Sheet Metal Workers are 
expected to be adequate through 2005.  The demand for Sheet Metal Workers is
less sensitive to declines in new construction than employment of some other
construction trades.  This is because maintenance of existing equipment
makes up a large part of the work performed by Sheet Metal Workers. Also
contributing to job growth is the demand for more energy efficient
air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems in new and older
structures.  The increased use of sheet metal products in decoration and
architectural restoration is expected to add to the demand for Sheet Metal Workers.
Most 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.  Fewer openings occur during the winter months or the
rainy season, but since a large portion of sheet metal installation is done
indoors, these workers usually lose less work due to bad weather.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Hourly wages for Sheet Metal Workers can vary widely depending on
unionization and location.  The median wage reported for Sheet Metal is
$13.80 per hour.  Generally, workers 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. 

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

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 as well as by related classroom
instruction.

Apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, written
tests and personal interviews.  High school or community college courses in
algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mechanical drawing, and metal shop are
recommended to prepare for training.  Applicants for should be in good
physical condition and have mechanical and mathematical aptitude.  Good eye-
hand coordination, spatial and form perception, and manual dexterity are
also important.  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

Apprenticeship candidates are advised to consult with local offices of the
California Division of Apprenticeship Standards and the Sheet Metal Workers
International Association.  Journey-level Sheet Metal Workers may find work
by registration with the union or by direct application to employers.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Department of Industrial Relations, 
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-4920
www.dir.ca.gov/

Sheet Metal Workers International Association
1750 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20006
(202) 783-5880
www.smwia.org/

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Heating, air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics      No.    32
Metal Workers, Fabrication & Structural                  No.   112
Solar Energy System Installers                           No.   458

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Sheet Metal Worker                            804.281-010
Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice                 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.