Description

A metalworker works with metals such as copper, steel, tin, lead and alloys such as aluminium. They work in a workshop to manufacture or repair parts. Where parts are large, they work directly on site. As well as manufacturing, they also carry out maintenance on existing parts.

Qualities and skills

• Manual dexterity and practical skills
• Physical stamina (work involves standing and may require moving heavy and bulky loads)
• Independence and precision
• Good spatial awareness (ability to visualise parts in three dimensions)
• Design and fabrication of sheet metal assemblies and preparation of materials
• Proficient in cutting, marking out and welding
• Checks the quality of the finished product
• Proficiency in using hand tools, machinery and, where applicable, computer tools
• Ability to read technical drawings for electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems
• Skills in hydraulics, thermal engineering and mechanics
• Proficiency in operating sophisticated machinery, including the ability to programme, operate and monitor it.

Education and training levels

CAP in Industrial Metalworking or Metalworking/Welding

A-level equivalent: Vocational A-level in Industrial Boilermaking / Mechanical Product Manufacturing … Practical Training (TP) in Boilermaking

Two years of further education (Bac + 2): Higher National Diploma (BTS) in Product Manufacturing Process Design / Industrial Metalworking

Sectors and companies

A metalworker’s activities take place exclusively in the workshop when dealing with small and medium-scale metalwork: domestic appliances, heating and ventilation equipment, bespoke vehicle bodywork In large-scale metalworking, products – such as storage tanks used in the chemical industry, for example – are assembled directly on site after the components have been manufactured in the workshop.