Find your next dream job with personal matching.skilled trades
Metal Technician / Metalworker
Role & responsibilities
Reads technical drawings, sets up machines or welding equipment, measures and finishes parts, inspects quality, and follows safety procedures.
Key strengths
- Technical skills30% (Job)
- Attention to detail20% (Job)
- Problem solving16% (Job)
- Discipline12% (Job)
- Physical stamina12% (Job)
- Teamwork10% (Job)
What this means for you
- Problem solving – Adjusts setups when materials or conditions change.
- Attention to detail – Measures precisely to meet tolerance and quality requirements.
- Technical skills – Operates fabrication tools and welding processes safely.
Typical tasks
- Fabricate and assemble metal components to specifications
- Maintain tools, ensure safety compliance, and repair or adjust fittings
- Read technical drawings, operate machinery, and perform quality checks
Daily work
- Reviews technical drawings and prepares tooling
- Checks tolerances and finishes before assembly or delivery
- Cuts, welds, or shapes metal components to specification
Education & entry routes
Helpful but not mandatory
- Welding certifications (e.g., AWS)
- CNC programming courses
Alternative pathways
- CNC Operator
- Fabrication Supervisor
- Welding Inspector
Work environment
- Team size
- Works with shop teams and welders in small crews
- Typical employers
- Metal fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, construction sites
- People contact
- Regular interaction with supervisors, engineers, and peers
- Stress level
- Moderate due to precision and safety demands
- Working hours
- Onsite shifts in workshops or fabrication floors
Entry & progression
Common entry roles
- Metalworking Apprentice
- Fabrication Assistant
Next career steps
- Senior Metal Technician
- Shop Supervisor