Career Opportunities in Sheet Metal Fabrication by JC Metalworks
9 January 2025
Leicester College works closely with employers like JC Metalworks to ensure that their apprenticeship standards align with the needs of the industry. This collaboration helps to bridge the gap between education and employment. We are committed to providing high-quality education and training to apprentices. By equipping them with the necessary skills and qualifications, they can contribute effectively to the workforce.
A sheet metal fabrication company like JC Metalworks provides a variety of career opportunities, including skilled trades, engineering, and management positions. Working in sheet metal fabrication combines creativity with technical skills and hands-on experience, making it an incredibly rewarding field for newcomers. This hands-on approach fosters a strong sense of accomplishment when completing tasks and allows for rapid skill development. The industry demands a high degree of precision and accuracy, which can help you develop further in mastering to deliver a high standard of work.
The roles below in sheet metal fabrication give great opportunities for growth and development in your career path.
Here are the production positions:
In sheet metal fabrication, there are five main departments: cutting, forming, welding, finishing and assembly.
Laser Cutter Operator
Description: Laser technology is used to cut metal into precise shapes. They operate high-powered lasers that can cut through a variety of materials, including mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
Skills and qualifications:
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
Experience with CNC machining or laser cutting is a plus.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Responsibilities:
Setting up and operating laser cutting machines.
Programming the machines with the required dimensions and specifications.
Monitoring the cutting process to ensure that the metal is cut to the correct shape and tolerances.
Inspecting finished products to ensure that they meet quality standards.
Maintaining and troubleshooting laser cutting machines.
Press Brake Operator
Description: Operates machines that bend sheet metal into specific shapes. They use computer-controlled machines to bend metal to precise tolerances.
Skills and qualifications:
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
Experience with CNC machining or press brake operation is a plus.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Responsibilities:
Setting up and operating press brake machines.
Programming the machines with the required dimensions and specifications.
Monitoring the bending process to ensure that the metal is bent to the correct shape and tolerances.
Inspecting finished products to ensure that they meet quality standards.
Maintaining and troubleshooting press brake machines.
Welder/Fabricator
Description: Joins metal pieces together using heat and pressure. They use a variety of welding techniques, including Spot, TIG, MIG, Robotic and Laser welding, to create strong and durable joints.
Skills and qualifications:
Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
Experience with welding techniques, such as arc welding, TIG welding, MIG welding and robotic welding.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Responsibilities:
Preparing metal surfaces for welding.
Selecting the appropriate welding technique and equipment for the job.
Welding metal pieces together to create specified shapes and assemblies.
Inspecting welds to ensure that they meet quality standards.
Maintaining and troubleshooting welding equipment.
Powder Coater
Description: Applies/ Sprays a protective powder coating to metal surfaces. This process involves applying a dry powder coating to the metal and then curing it in an oven.
Skills and qualifications:
Experience with powder coating equipment and techniques
Knowledge of different types of powder coatings and their applications
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
Proficiency in using hand tools and power tools
Understanding of safety procedures for handling chemicals and operating equipment
Attention to detail
Physical stamina
Responsibilities:
Preparing metal surfaces for powder coating by cleaning and degreasing them.
Applying powder coating to metal surfaces using electrostatic spray guns.
Curing powder coatings in an oven.
Inspecting finished products to ensure that the coating is applied evenly and meets quality standards.
Maintaining and troubleshooting powder coating equipment.
Assembly Technician
Description: Assembles metal components into finished products. They work from blueprints and assembly instructions to ensure that the products are assembled correctly and meet quality standards.
Skills and qualifications:
Experience with hand and power tools
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and assembly drawings
Knowledge of basic mechanical principles
Proficiency in using measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers)
Understanding of quality control procedures
Attention to detail
Responsibilities:
Preparing work areas and assembling necessary tools and equipment.
Reading and interpreting blueprints and assembly instructions.
Assembling metal components into finished products using various tools and techniques.
Inspecting finished products to ensure that they meet quality standards.
Documenting assembly processes and results.
These roles could progress into Technical Support and Team Leader Positions.
Other positions
Quality Engineer
Description: Ensures that products meet quality standards. They inspect and test products at various stages of the production process to identify and correct any defects.
Skills and qualifications:
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
Knowledge of quality control procedures and standards.
Experience with inspection and testing equipment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Responsibilities:
Inspecting incoming materials and components to ensure that they meet quality standards.
Monitoring the production process to identify and correct any defects.
Conducting quality tests on finished products to ensure that they meet customer requirements.
Documenting inspection results and preparing quality reports.
Identifying and implementing quality improvement measures.
Engineering and Design Roles
Project Engineer: Uses computer-aided design and manufacturing software to create product designs and generate machine instructions. Oversees the entire production process from start to finish.
Manufacturing Engineer: Optimises production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available in a sheet metal fabrication company. The specific roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the size and specialisation of the company.
At JC Metalworks, our apprenticeship standards offers a unique and enriching experience that sets the stage for a fulfilling career in the industry.
We understand the importance of a well-rounded education in metal fabrication. During their standard, our apprentices spend time in each department, learning the intricacies of metalworking processes.
From operating CNC cutting and forming press brake machines to learning TIG, MIG, and spot welding techniques, apprentices gain a versatile skill set. The hands-on exposure of our apprenticeship standard allows apprentices to choose a specialisation that aligns with their capabilities and interests after spending a few weeks in each department. Additionally, exposure to digitalised project management ensures that apprentices are well-equipped to navigate the modern landscape of metal fabrication.
Our apprentice coordinator and project engineer, Jake Morris, completed his apprenticeship at JC Metalworks and has a deep understanding of what's best for our apprentices. He plays a key role in developing the apprenticeship programme which is designed to provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience in metal fabrication.