Yes, metal fabrication is a good career path. The industry has employed lots of people in America. It has produced many jobs across the country, from blue-collar workers to engineers and managers. Today, this industry is one of the outstanding industries in the country. Moreover, this industry is responsible for pumping billions into the economy annually. It contributes significantly to the GDP and helps drive growth in other sectors of the economy. The metal fabrication sector is also a major exporter, sending products worldwide. This helps create jobs and boost America’s trade balance. This article focuses on the benefits of working in the metal fabrication industry and the skills you need to excel in the industry.
What Benefits You Will Derive From Working In The Metal Fabrication Industry?
High Demand
Recently, there has been an increasing and consistent demand for workers in the metal fabrication industry. This is due to the advent of technology and the increase in infrastructural development. In the building industry, for example, there has recently been an upsurge in the erection of buildings and structures.
Many Jobs Opportunities
The metal fabrication industry is an excellent location to look for employment. This sector offers many jobs, from welding and machining to sales and engineering. If you are looking for a career in the manufacturing field, then the metal fabrication industry is a great place to start.
Satisfaction
Metal fabricators have the satisfaction of knowing that they are creating tangible objects that people will use every day. They see the fruits of their labor – from start to finish – which is not always common in other industries. Also, they often have a lot of control over the finished product. This can be very rewarding for fabricators who take pride in their work.
Job Security
According to research, the global market for metal fabrication continues to grow owing to the increasing demands for metals and their products. This consistency in demands makes the jobs in metal fabrication secure compared to other industries.
Career Growth
The metal fabrication industry is a challenging and rewarding field with many growth opportunities. Metal fabricators can move up the ladder quickly if they are willing to do the required hard work. And with the emergence of new technologies, there is always an opportunity to learn something new.
Earnings
Although the jobs at metal fabrication involve hard work and working directly with your hands, the industry pays well. Below is a list of some of the jobs in metal fabrication and how much they earn.
- Welders
Welders are in charge of connecting metal components using heat and a welding torch. They must be able to understand the desired structure and follow instructions. welders earn– $3,028 Monthly & $42,767 Annually
- Fabricators
Fabricators make parts and components–toys, machines from metals. They use a variety of machines to shape these metals into the desired form. Fabricators earn $4,381 Monthly & $61,883 Annually
- Machinists
Machinists use computer-controlled precision tools to cut or drill holes into metal parts. They must amass basic computer skills and be precise and attentive to details. Machinists earn– $4,611 Monthly & $65,131 Annually
- Metalworkers
Metalworkers control basic machines to cut, cast, and mod tools. They are required to be skilled in oxy-acetylene cutting– which is a process that uses high-temperature flames to cut through metals. Metalworkers earn– $3,028 Monthly & $42,766 Annually
- Boilermakers
Boilermakers cut, shape, and weld metals for the construction and repairs of ships, boilers, and other structures derived from metals. Boilermakers earn– $4,315 Monthly & $60,952 Annually
What Are The Skills You Need To Thrive In The Metal Fabrication Industry?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in metal fabrication, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself.
Experience
It takes experience to excel in the metal fabrication industry. You can also take some classes in welding and other related courses. It would help if you also got experience working with metals by volunteering at a local machine shop or fabricating shop.
Mathematics Skills
To work in metal fabrication, you need to have a strong understanding of physics and mathematics and good manual dexterity and problem-solving skills. If you want to pursue a career in this field, many schools offer certification programs in metalworking.
Engineering Knowledge
Workers in the metal fabrication industry need to know about engineering. This increases the speed of decision-making in the industry and helps them develop better solutions for challenging problems they might encounter at work.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are quite critical in the metal fabrication industry. Expectations and instructions are important and must be adhered to strictly. Hence there must be good communication between the team, clients, and management.
Physical Strength
Jobs in the metal fabrication industry involve lifting and carrying heavy objects. It’s no place for the weak. Workers ought to be able to stand continuously for hours, work effectively with machines and tools and endure long shift hours.
Education Qualification
Careers in metal fabrication vary concerning requirements. Some jobs– entry-level– require a diploma or GED. Jobs related to engineering in the industry, however, require a college degree. Meanwhile, employees can work their way up from entry-level positions, unlike in other industries.
Conclusion
The importance of the metal fabrication industry cannot be overstated. There’s a growing demand for metals and their construction and infrastructural development products. The industry is also growing about workers to meet these demands. So for those who want to see the tangible impact of their works, the metal fabrication industry is a good career path. And yes, it does pay well.
