Sheet Metal Worker Job Description

Pos and Cons of Being a Sheet Metal Worker

The benefits are great. The pay is great. And the retirement is also good. Great place to excel. If you want to advance in a company, get out there and be a foreman. Be a site foreman or a general foreman on the job site. The cons are, well, it's very strenuous work. You’ve got to make sure you're fit at all times. Don't come in sick or injured from the previous day. You can let them know, but you’ve got to get a lot of rest.

Requirements

You’ve got to have a high school diploma. You’ve got to be able to do math. So to get in, you’ve got to pass the test. There's a test, and you’ve got to get at least 75% correct on the math test. 

Average Day

On an average day, you start at six, and it's offloading trucks with material that's coming in. Or they’ve got you installing ductwork. Mostly what I was doing was commercial work, like hospitals, big buildings, and elevator shafts, stuff like that. Everything we make is fabricated in the shop, but if we can fabricate things in the field, that's even better for us. It makes you look good as an individual. We can get the job done. For me, there's a lot of pride. In San Francisco, there were buildings right next to the Bay Bridge that we worked on, and people were paying millions for them. I’d sit there eating lunch, thinking I’d better enjoy the view because people are paying millions for it, and I’m getting paid to enjoy it for free.

Tips for Getting Into a Trade

If you don’t have any other skills and you’re trying to gain one, go to trade school. There’s plumbing, electrical work, sheet metal, and a lot of trades. Anybody can get in. If you’re willing to work hard and bust your behind, then it’s there for you. 

Career Advice

Take the challenges. If they give you a challenge that you can't do, say, "I’m not great at it, but I’ll give it a good shot." As long as you try, they’re willing to work with you. Don’t say no. Just say, "I’ll give it a shot."