Sheet metal workers, also known as platers, make metal products including pipes, cylinders, panels and containers. They work with materials such as steel, copper, aluminium and brass. The products are used in many sectors from aerospace and rail transport to engineering and construction.

Metal workers use sheets of metal for lighter products such as car panels, while platers work with heavier, thicker plates used in heavy industry, for instance, oil and gas platform construction.

Following diagrams, engineering drawings, blueprints or written instructions, workers mark out and cut metal sections to the required shape and size. To do this, they use hand and power tools or machines, such as presses and rollers. Products are also finished using tools such as grinders to smooth rough edges.

Depending on the project, sheets or plates are joined using riveting, welding and bolting methods or drilled with holes for later assembly.

Some of the measuring and cutting work is now done using computer-controlled equipment.

Hours and Environment

Sheet metal workers usually work 37 to 39 hours a week, which may include shifts. Overtime is common.

Workers wear protective clothing, safety footwear and hard hats and masks, for instance, when welding. Sheet metal workers work on site or in workshops where conditions can be noisy, hot and dirty.

Skills and Interests

As a sheet metal worker you should:

• have good practical skills for using tools and equipment
• have a good level of concentration for cutting, welding and using tools safely and accurately
• have good concentration levels
• be numerate and have some computer skills
• be able to understand technical drawings and visualise the appearance of finished products
• be able to work without direct supervision and to co-operate as part of a team
• be physically fit
• be comfortable working at heights for some work
• have good eyesight and normal colour vision.

Entry

The National Apprenticeship Scheme for Engineering Construction (NASEC) is open to young people. Applicants for offshore technician apprenticeships must be aged between 16½ to 21; all other apprenticeship applicants should be 17 or over and must complete the training before their 24th birthday.

You need GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in maths, English and a science, or equivalent qualifications. Qualifications in engineering drawing, metalwork or other practical subjects may be useful. Applicants without the required entry grades may also be considered.

For details about apprenticeships contact NASEC Administration in Further Information.

Alternative entry qualifications open to all age groups include BTEC First Certificate in Engineering and National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering (Fabrication and Welding), and City & Guilds Progression Award (6983) Applying Engineering Principles levels 1 and 2, which contains optional units in producing sheet metal components. These are available at local colleges. Check with them for details.

For details about careers in sheet metal work, contact the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.

Training

Craft training as a sheet metal worker is usually on-the-job, combined with part-time study at a college or, in the case of the larger employers, in company training centres.

As an apprentice, you will complete up to three years’ on-the-job training working alongside experienced sheet metal workers. The resulting qualification is an NVQ/SVQ in Engineering Construction at Level 3.

The Level 3 has several options, depending on your particular area of work, for instance, fabricating steel or welding plate.

The Level 3 award also incorporates the CCSNG Safety Passport *. The passport covers 10 units including health and safety law, fire precautions, COSHH ** principles and first aid.

The Safety Passport scheme is available as a stand-alone course. For a list of training providers, contact ECITB in Further Information. The ECITB also has information on a variety of other training options for employees within the sector. Contact ECITB for details.

For sheet workers who specialise in welding, The Welding Institute (TWI) offers training and qualifications in welding techniques. Contact TWI in Further Information.

* Client/Contractor National Safety Group (formerly SCATS)

** Control of Substance Hazardous to Health

Opportunities

Sheet metal workers and platers work in manufacturing industries such as car, aircraft, ventilation equipment and office furniture manufacture. They also work for engineering and civil engineering companies involved in projects that require the fabrication of large metal structures, such as oil rigs and storage tanks.

Most sheet metal work jobs are in the Midlands, north-east, south Wales, London and the south-east of England.

Heavy engineering companies and engineering construction companies, which employ platers, tend to be in Scotland and the north of England. There are also opportunities to work abroad.

Promotion is usually to supervisor or foreman/woman, and from there to middle management. It is possible for platers and sheet metal workers who have completed their craft training to move on to train as engineering technicians. See the profile for Engineering Construction Technician.

It is possible for experienced sheet metal workers to start their own business.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £14,000 and £16,000.
Experienced workers earn between £16,500 and £20,000.
Workers with extra responsibilities can earn around £22,000.

Shift work and overtime may increase these rates.

Further information

Blue Court
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration Team: 01923 402155 Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB1 6AL
Tel: 01223 891162