Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

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Also known as:
Mill Beam Fitter, Protector Plate Attacher

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ABOUT STRUCTURAL METAL FABRICATOR OR FITTER CAREERS

Video transcript

Some manufacturing workers like their jobs supersized. Structural metal fabricators and fitters construct enormous metal objects, from tanks and water towers to frames for buildings and bridges.

Though the projects can be massive, the work is quite intricate. Following blueprints, fabricators make patterns and templates as guides. Fabricators use special machinery to cut the metal into the required pieces or plates. Other equipment is used to punch, roll, or straighten the pieces before they are fastened together. These metal workers weld, bolt, or rivet the units into full or subassemblies.

Fabricators and fitters often work indoors in huge, noisy environments. Installation at outdoor construction sites may require work in extreme temperatures. Some jobs may also require being away from home for long periods of time.

A high school diploma usually suffices to get a job as a helper to enter a training program or apprenticeship for this career. You need to be in good physical condition to handle the heavy lifting and climbing this career demands. Many tasks are performed high up on scaffolds or in cramped spaces. Fabricators and fitters need to be able to use their tools and machines steadily and surely at any height.

Metal is a versatile, durable material that can be bent and formed into just about any shape. Fabricators and fitters take pride in knowing what they create today will no doubt still be In use for generations.

SNAPSHOT

Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	LOW
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	HIGH
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Preheat workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces.

Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.

Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.

Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.

Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.

Tack-weld fitted parts together.

Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.

Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.

Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.

Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.

Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction	Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

TOP SKILLS

Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.