The professionals in metal fabrication never stop learning

How does one define a true sheet metal professional, and what does it take to become one in the metal manufacturing sectors? Press brake guru Steve Benson provides insight and why it's important for metalworkers to never stop learning. Getty Images

Q: I am a student studying sheet metal in Zimbabwe. My grandfather was a blacksmith, and although he never seemed to have sufficient tools, he used his design experience and expertise to make sheet metal products that satisfied his customers’ needs. In the fabrication industry, what makes one a pro? What does it really take?

A: It is so seldom that I hear from the continent of Africa. It is an honor knowing that my magazine columns and books reach around the world, and that they are able to educate and guide folks like you in the ways of metalworking.

What makes one a pro, and what does it take to become one? On their surface, these questions seem straightforward and should be easy to answer. And straightforward they are—but they’re not quite so easy to answer.

What makes one a professional in any industry is simple. It’s someone who’s paid to perform an occupation or trade, such as a professional builder. Of course, just because you perform a trade or craft and work at it daily does not necessarily make you skilled.

My definition, and I believe most people’s definition, is different than one you’d find in a dictionary. When I think of someone being a true professional, I think of a highly skilled craftsperson, someone who knows what needs to be done to accomplish a task, which tools to use to achieve the best results, and has the skill to do it.

All of that said, what specifically will make you a professional fabricator? This will depend on what metal fabrication career path you follow.

The Big Picture

Sheet metal fabrication encompasses many unique and diverse subgroups or branches. Blacksmithing is the oldest and most artisan. It also requires a large amount of unique knowledge.

The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) branch doesn’t involve as much manual craft as it once did. In fact, HVAC work has become extraordinarily precise with the use of state-of-the-art machines that require skilled people to run them.

Aircraft manufacturing is an entire sheet metal world of its own, requiring highly specialized knowledge and skill sets.

Metal cabinetry is one of the largest branches of the trade and includes products like computer cabinets and metal furniture. While the work is somewhat repetitive, it still requires the ability to hold tolerances of ±0.015 in. during production.

Among all the branches of sheet metal fabrication, sheet metal jobs with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) often (but not always) require the least amount of skill and knowledge. The work does, however, require a lot of part- and product-specific knowledge.

From a craftsperson’s point of view, working in custom metal fabrication (job shops) requires the greatest amount of overall trade knowledge and skills. At small shops and prototype operations, you may be handed a print and then be expected to lay out the part and then shear, punch, form, weld, and finish it entirely by yourself. These jobs are one of the best and most sought after in the entire industry, because the work is never boring.

The plate building branch of fabrication involves large, heavy products like ships, machinery, and structures. Although the work isn’t as precise from a tolerance point of view, it does require some special skills. Both plate and sheet metal work might include roll bending (plate rolls), which again requires a unique skill set.

What All Branches Share

There are more subgroups than I just named, but whatever branch of fabrication you choose, and whether you choose to be an engineer or a craftsperson on the shop floor, you’ll need to gain some knowledge and develop skills common to all. The foremost skill you need is the ability to conceptualize objects in three dimensions. This is one of those things that you either can or can’t do. Some people may never be able to do it, and it’s difficult to teach or learn. Lack of this particular ability will make becoming a pro fabricator very difficult. The good news is that it is not impossible.

Another common skill involves mathematics. You’ll need the ability to read machine drawings and blueprints. And you’ll need to know which measurement tools to use for what application and how to use them correctly. These skills can be taught in a trade school or on the shop floor, but learning to apply them will take some time and practice.

If possible, you should attend a trade school, even if you are learning your skills through an apprentice program. There is always more to learn! Seek out those with skills better than yours, those craftspeople who’ve been at it for decades. Learn from their experience. Many may not be able to tell you why something works, but they do have the know-how to make it work.

Study those things that the old guys can’t explain, determine why or what it is that’s happening, then share what you’ve learned with those who will value that knowledge. Again, there is always more to learn.

You’ll also need to learn the specifics of the machines you will be required to use, including their abilities and limitations—not only for the sake of being a professional but also for your own safety—safety being absolutely the most important reason.

Regardless of the specific field you choose, metal fabrication is dangerous stuff, from handling the raw materials to the operation of machines. It is very easy to lose a finger, a hand, or an arm. It could even cost you your life if you don’t follow the proper safety protocols. This trade can be very rewarding in many ways, but carelessness can ruin your life, or someone else’s.

What Does It Take?

First, pick the group and subgroup that interests you the most, and give that everything you’ve got. Never stop studying it.

Then, apply your knowledge. Do you want to be an engineer in a fab shop? Learn what is involved and take a hands-on approach so you can design your products better. Do you prefer to work with your hands? Do it! No one field or subgroup is below or above the other. Each requires a unique skill set. There’s no shame in this work, only respect.

When you become established within your niche of the trade, for someone like you, being a pro fabricator might drive you to teach. Over the years you’ll share knowledge with those around you, of course. But if you want to go above and beyond that, you might consider teaching at a trade school or even writing a textbook.

Teaching can show your pride in what you do and in the products you can create. You’ll be able to show others that they too can follow in your footsteps, just as you’re following in the footsteps of your grandfather.

A Bright Future

Defining exactly what it takes to be a professional fabricator in this trade or others is open to interpretation, but once you determine your path, give it all you’ve got.

Also remember that at some point you may decide that what you have taken up really is not for you, and that’s OK. Whatever niche you chose, much of what you have learned is transferable and will even make you more of a professional.

I wish you and everyone who is thinking about a career in the manufacturing trades the best of luck. There is a bright and interesting future here for all.