Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

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This occupation is part of the Production cluster

About the Job

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

It is also Called

  • Cage Maker, Machine
  • Computer Numerical Control Programmer / Operator (CNC Programmer / Operator)
  • Fabricator
  • Fabricator Assembler Metal Products
  • Fitter
  • Fitter-Welder
  • Ground Support Equipment Assembler
  • Hand Former
  • Layout Man
  • Metal Box Maker

What They Do

  • 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.
  • Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
  • Tack-weld fitted parts together.
  • Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
  • Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
  • Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
  • Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
  • Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
  • Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
  • 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.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RC.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Conventional environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Working Conditions and Relationships in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • 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.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • 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.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Education Required

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $36,700 with most people making between $22,750 and $54,280

Outlook

1.39%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 7,200 people in California. It is projected that there will be 8,200 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 100 openings due to growth and about 140 replacement openings for approximately 240 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

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