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Text File | 1995-10-24 | 12.4 KB | 249 lines

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Sheetmetal Workers

(D.O.T.  804.281-010 and -014)

Nature of the Work

Sheetmetal workers make, install, and maintain air-conditioning,
heating, ventilation, and pollution control duct systems; roofs;
siding; rain gutters and downspouts; skylights; restaurant
equipment; outdoor signs; and many other building parts and products
made from metal sheets.  They may also work with fiberglass and
plastic materials.  Although some workers specialize in fabrication,
installation, or maintenance, most do all three jobs.  (This
statement does not include workers employed in the mass production
of sheetmetal products.)

   Sheetmetal workers usually fabricate their products at a shop away
from the construction site.  They first study plans and
specifications to determine the kind and quantity of materials they
will need.  They then measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces
of sheet metal to make duct work, counter tops, and other custom
products.  In an increasing number of shops, sheetmetal workers use
computerized metalworking equipment.  This enables them to
experiment with different layouts and to select the one that results
in the least waste of material.  They cut or form the parts with
computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears, and presses.

   In shops without computerized equipment and for products that cannot
be made on such equipment, sheetmetal workers use hand calculators
to make the required calculations and use tapes, rulers, and other
measuring devices for layout work.  They then cut or stamp the parts
on machine tools.

   Before assembling the pieces, sheetmetal workers check each part for
accuracy and, if necessary, finish it by using hand, rotary, or
squaring shears and hacksaws.  After the parts have been inspected,
workers fasten the seams and joints together with welds, bolts,
cement, rivets, solder, specially formed sheetmetal drive clips, or
other connecting devices.  They then take the parts to the
construction site where they further assemble the pieces as they
install them.  These workers install ducts, pipes, and tubes by
joining them end to end and hanging them with metal hangers secured
to a ceiling or a wall.  They also use shears, hammers, punches, and
drills to make parts at the worksite or to alter parts made in the
shop.

   Some jobs are done completely at the job site.  When installing a
metal roof, for example, sheetmetal workers measure and cut the
roofing panels that are needed to complete the job.  They secure the
first panel in place and interlock and fasten the grooved edge of
the next panel into the grooved edge of the first.  Then they nail
or weld the free edge of the panel to the structure.  This two-step
process is repeated for each additional panel.  Finally, they fasten
machine-made molding at joints, along corners, and around windows
and doors for a neat, finished effect.

   In addition to installation, some sheetmetal workers specialize in
testing, balancing, adjusting, and servicing existing
air-conditioning and ventilation systems to make sure they are
functioning properly and to improve their energy efficiency.
Sheetmetal workers may also perform safe removal of asbestos and
toxic materials.

   In many shops, sheet-metal workers use computerized equipment to cut
parts.


Working Conditions

Sheetmetal workers usually work a 40-hour week.  Those who fabricate
sheetmetal products work in shops that are well lighted and well
ventilated.  They stand for long periods and may have to lift heavy
materials and finished pieces.  Sheetmetal workers must follow
safety practices because working around high-speed machines can be
dangerous.  They may be subject to cuts from sharp metal, burns from
soldering and welding, and falls from ladders and scaffolds.  They
generally wear safety glasses and must not wear jewelry or
loose-fitting clothing that could easily get caught in a machine.

   Those doing installation work do considerable bending, lifting,
standing, climbing, and squatting, sometimes in close quarters or in
awkward positions.  Although installing duct systems and kitchen
equipment is done indoors, the installation of siding, roofs, and
gutters involves much outdoor work, requiring sheetmetal workers to
work in all kinds of weather.

Employment

Sheetmetal workers held about 91,000 wage and salary jobs in the
construction industry in 1992.  Seven of every 10 worked for
plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors; 1 of every 5
worked for roofing and sheetmetal contractors; and the rest worked
for other special trade contractors and for general contractors
engaged in residential and commercial building.  Unlike many other
construction trades, very few sheetmetal workers are self-employed.

   Jobs for sheetmetal workers are distributed throughout the country
in about the same proportion as the total population.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Sheetmetal contractors consider apprenticeship the best way to learn
this trade.  The apprenticeship program consists of 4 or 5 years of
on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours per year of classroom
instruction.  Apprenticeship programs provide comprehensive
instruction in both sheetmetal fabrication and installation.  They
are administered by local joint committees composed of the Sheet
Metal Workers' International Association and local chapters of the
Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National Association,
or by local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

   On the job, apprentices learn the basics of pattern layout and how
to cut, bend, fabricate, and install sheet metal.  They begin with
basic ductwork and gradually advance to more difficult jobs, such as
making more complex ducts, fittings, and decorative pieces.  They
also use materials such as fiberglass, plastics, and other
non-metallic materials.

   In the classroom, apprentices learn drafting, plan and specification
reading, trigonometry and geometry applicable to layout work, the
use of computerized equipment, welding, and the principles of
heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating systems.  Safety is
stressed throughout the program.  In addition, apprentices learn the
relationship between sheetmetal work and other construction work.

   A relatively small number of persons pick up the trade informally,
usually by working as helpers to experienced sheetmetal workers.
Most begin by carrying metal and cleaning up debris in a metal shop
while they learn about materials and tools and their uses.  Later,
they learn to operate machines that bend or cut metal.  In time,
helpers go out on the job site to learn installation.  Those who
acquire their skills this way often take vocational school courses
in mathematics or sheetmetal fabrication to supplement their work
experience.  Helpers usually must pass an exam to be promoted to the
journey level.

   Applicants for jobs as apprentices or helpers 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.  Local apprenticeship committees
require a high school education or its equivalent.  Courses in
Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mechanical drawing, and shop
provide a helpful background for learning the trade, as does work
experience obtained in the Armed Services.

   It is important that experienced sheetmetal workers keep abreast of
new technolgical developments such as the growing use of
computerized layout and laser cutting machines.  Workers often take
additional training provided by the union or by their employer in
order to improve existing skills or to acquire new ones.

   Sheetmetal workers may advance to supervisory jobs.  Some take
additional training in welding and do more specialized work.  Others
go into the contracting business for themselves.  Because a
sheetmetal contractor must have a shop with equipment to fabricate
products, this type of contracting business is more expensive to
start than other types of construction contracting.

Job Outlook

Employment of sheetmetal workers in construction is expected to
increase faster than the average for all occupations through the
year 2005.  Demand for sheetmetal installation should increase as
more industrial, commercial, and residential structures are built.
Growing demand for more energy-efficient air-conditioning, heating,
and ventilation systems in the growing stock of older buildings, as
well as other types of renovation and maintenance work, also should
boost employment.  In addition, the greater use of decorative
sheetmetal products and increased architectural restoration are
expected to add to the demand for sheetmetal workers.  Despite this
growth in demand, most job openings will arise as experienced
workers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

   Job prospects are expected to be excellent for skilled sheetmetal
workers over the long run, although workers may experience periods
of unemployment when construction projects end and when economic
conditions reduce the amount of construction activity.  Because
local economic conditions can vary so widely, there can be shortages
of experienced workers in some areas and an oversupply in other
parts of the country.  Nevertheless, employment of sheetmetal
workers is less sensitive to declines in new construction than
employment of some other construction workers, such as carpenters.
Maintenance of existing equipment which is less affected by economic
fluctuations than new construction makes up a large part of the work
done by sheetmetal workers.  Installation of new air-conditioning
and heating systems in existing buildings also continues during
construction slumps as individuals and businesses seek more
energy-efficient equipment to cut utility bills.  Because a large
proportion of sheetmetal installation and maintenance is done
indoors, these workers usually lose less work time due to bad
weather than other construction workers.

   Apprenticeship opportunities also should be plentiful as unions and
employers strive to meet the rising demand for skilled workers.
However, the availability of training slots fluctuates with economic
conditions, so the number of openings may vary from year to year and
by geographic area.

Earnings

According to the Engineering News Record, average hourly earnings
including benefits for union sheetmetal workers were $27.62 in 1992.
Wages ranged from a low of $18.06 in Birmingham, Alabama, to a high
of $42.47 in New York City.  Apprentices generally start at about 40
percent of the rate paid to experienced workers.  Throughout the
course of the apprenticeship program, they receive periodic
increases as they acquire the skills of the trade.

   In addition, union workers in some areas receive supplemental wages
from the union when they are on layoff or shortened workweeks.  A
large proportion of sheetmetal workers are members of the Sheet
Metal Workers' International Association.

Related Occupations

To fabricate and install sheetmetal products, sheetmetal workers
combine metalworking skills and knowledge of construction materials
and techniques.  Other occupations in which workers lay out and
fabricate metal products include layout workers, machinists, metal
fabricators, metal patternmakers, shipfitters, and tool and die
makers.  Construction occupations requiring similar skills and
knowledge include heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration
technicians and glaziers.

Sources of Additional Information

   For more information about apprenticeships or other work
opportunities, contact local sheetmetal contractors or heating,
refrigeration, and air-conditioning contractors; a local of the
Sheet Metal Workers Union; a local of the Sheetmetal and Air
Conditioning Contractors Association; a local joint union-management
apprenticeship committee; or the nearest office of the State
employment service or apprenticeship agency.

   For general information about sheetmetal workers, contact:

   The Sheet Metal National Training Fund, 601 N.  Fairfax St., Suite
240, Alexandria, VA 22314.

   Associated Builders and Contractors, 1300 N.  17th St.  NW.,
Rossyln, VA 22209.

   The Sheetmetal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, 4201
Lafayette Center Dr., Chantilly, VA 22021.

   The Sheet Metal Workers International Association, 1750 New York
Ave.  NW., Washington, DC 20006.