Sheetmetal Trades Workers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Sheetmetal Trades Workers mark out, shape, form and join sheetmetal and other materials to make products and components.
Specialisations: Metal Spinner, Sheetmetal Patternmaker.
Extensive experience or a certificate III in engineering - fabrication trade is needed to work as a Sheetmetal Trades Worker.
Tasks
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studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine job, material and equipment requirements
-
selecting metal stock, such as stainless steel, galvanised iron, mild steel, aluminium and copper, and checking sizes, gauges and other dimensions of metal stock against specifications
-
marking out metal stock with reference points and lines, using templates, gauges and other measuring instruments
-
cutting metal stock along guidelines using hand and power shears, guillotines and drills
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shaping and forming cut metal stock into products using folding and bending machines, rollers, presses and hammers
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fitting and assembling components into final products by welding, riveting, soldering, brazing and otherwise joining
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finishing products by polishing, filing, sanding and cleaning assembled products
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may repair damaged sheetmetal products and components
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may specialise in fabrication, or on-site assembly and installation, of sheetmetal products
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may produce aircraft sheet metal components requiring advanced drawing and calculating skills
-
may specialise in decorative copperwork
Characteristics
-
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
-
Informal or on-the-job
-
Practical
-
Medium
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow very strongly
- is likely to reach 4,400 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 9,500 |
2012 | 8,300 |
2013 | 8,700 |
2014 | 9,900 |
2015 | 5,800 |
2016 | 8,100 |
2017 | 5,600 |
2018 | 7,600 |
2019 | 5,600 |
2020 | 6,400 |
2021 | 3,600 |
2026 | 4,400 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 92% of people employed as Sheetmetal Trades Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 26 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
Median full-time earnings are $1,229 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,196
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,510
Median hourly earnings are $33, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Sheetmetal Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,229 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Sheetmetal Trades Workers work in the Manufacturing industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Sheetmetal Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 26.1 | 31.6 |
VIC | 22.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 27.0 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 13.1 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.5 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.9 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.8 | 1.9 |
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Around 46% of Sheetmetal Trades Workers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
-
The median age of Sheetmetal Trades Workers is 41 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Sheetmetal Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 4.6 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 11.9 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 21.6 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.3 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 22.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 9.1 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 5.9 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.1 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 41 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Extensive experience or a certificate III in engineering - fabrication trade is needed to work as a Sheetmetal Trades Worker.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Manufacturing and Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Sheetmetal Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.5 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 70.4 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 9.5 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 11.8 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Sheetmetal Trades Workers who are mature, reliable and are hard working with a good a work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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46%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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46%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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46%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
43%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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43%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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41%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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41%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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41%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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39%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
39%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
-
37%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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37%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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37%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
37%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
-
37%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
-
37%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
34%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
29%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
60%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
56%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
50%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
48%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
43%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
42%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
40%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
38%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
38%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
38%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
31%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
27%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
26%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
25%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
25%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
25%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
19%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
19%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
15%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
-
13%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
57%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
48%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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48%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
46%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
-
46%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
-
45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
45%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
-
45%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
-
45%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
-
45%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
-
45%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
-
43%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
43%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
43%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
43%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
-
43%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
-
43%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
41%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
-
41%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
80%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
76%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
63%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
61%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
59%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
58%
Drafting, laying out, and specifying partsDetailing and describing how devices, parts or equipment are to be made, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
-
57%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
56%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
56%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
54%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
54%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
53%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
52%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
51%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
-
48%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
46%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
44%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
43%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
43%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
-
38%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
29%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
24%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
24%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
19%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
52%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
48%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
45%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
43%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
33%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
97%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
95%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
94%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
93%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
91%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
88%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
87%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
86%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
86%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
86%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
81%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
79%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
79%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
77%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
77%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
76%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
-
75%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
-
75%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
74%
Climbing ladders, scaffolds, or polesSpend time climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles.
-
74%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 47-2211.00 - Sheet Metal Workers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.