Metalworking Machine Operators

Description

Metal is a hot design material these days. You might have some examples in your home, like an ultra-sleek CD player, a stainless-steel fridge, or a "retro" chrome-covered toaster.

Metalworking machine operators use machinery to transform a variety of metals (from thick sheets of steel to light aluminum alloys) into products we use every day.

Traditionally, metalworking machine operators were separated into two groups: those who set up machines and those who monitored them during production. However, automated machinery and controls have simplified setup. So, more metalworking machine operators both set up equipment and oversee production.

The type of machine they run (punch press, shears, disk flange, rolls) also distinguishes machine operators. Specific duties will vary based on the machine being operated and the size of the company. Equipment is also identified by its controls--manual or CNC (computerized numeric-controlled).

Specific duties

Metalworking machine operators perform some or all of the following tasks:

• Set up machinery and other equipment according to job specifications. Operators may have to load materials, which may require the use of a hoist, crane or other lifting device.
  
• Operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machine to cut, bend, roll, grind, shape, drill, punch, etc. steel and other metals into parts and finished products.
  
• Assemble metal parts using machines or tools to weld, solder, bolt, rivet, screw and otherwise join the parts.
  
• Examine products to ensure they conform to the required shape, dimensions and other specifications.
  
• Clean and maintain equipment.
  

Related careers

You might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties.

• Labourers in Metal Fabrication
• Metal Forming & Erecting Trades Supervisors
• Metal Products Supervisors
• Other Metal Products Machine Operators
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Metal & Plate Work Fabricators

High school path

A CareerMATTERS consultant suggests these high school courses would be helpful. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. You should consult with your school counsellor to make the best choices for your own career path.

Recommended Courses
Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
English
ENG1D English, Grade 9, Academic or ENG1P English, Grade 9, Applied	ENG2D English, Grade 10, Academic or ENG2P English, Grade 10, Applied	ENG3C English, Grade 11, College Preparation or ENG3E English, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	ENG4C English, Grade 12, College Preparation or ENG4E English, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Math
MFM1P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 9, Applied or MPM1D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 9, Academic	MFM2P Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied or MPM2D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic	MBF3C Foundations for College Mathematics, Grade 11, College Preparation or MEL3E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	MAP4C Foundations for College Mathematics, Grade 12, College Preparation or MCT4C Mathematics for College Technology, Grade 12, College Preparation or MEL4E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Science
SNC1D Science, Grade 9, Academic or SNC1P Science, Grade 9, Applied	SNC2D Science, Grade 10, Academic or SNC2P Science, Grade 10, Applied	SNC3E Science, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation or SNC3M Science, Grade 11, University/College Preparation	SNC4E Science, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation or SPH4C Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation
Optional
AVI1O Visual Arts, Grade 9, Open or TTI1O Integrated Technologies, Grade 9, Open	AVI2O Visual Arts, Grade 10, Open or TCJ2O Construction Technology, Grade 10, Open or TDJ2O Technological Design, Grade 10, Open or TIK2O Computer and Information Science, Grade 10, Open or TMJ2O Manufacturing Technology, Grade 10, Open	AVI3O Visual Arts, Grade 11, Open or ICE3M Computer Engineering, Grade 11, University/College Preparation or TCJ3C Construction Technology, Grade 11, College Preparation or TCJ3E Construction Technology, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation or TDJ3E Technological Design, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation or TDJ3M Technological Design, Grade 11, University/College Preparation or TMJ3C Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Grade 11, College Preparation or TMJ3E Manufacturing Technology, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	ICE4M Computer Engineering, Grade 12, University/College Preparation or TCJ4C Construction Technology, Grade 12, College Preparation or TCJ4E Construction Technology, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation or TDJ4E Technological Design, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation or TDJ4M Technological Design, Grade 12, University/College Preparation or TMJ4C Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Grade 12, College Preparation or TMJ4E Manufacturing Technology, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation

* a job shadowing/co-op experience is recommended

* students should consult their counsellor for appropriate Technology options in Grades 11 and 12

* some workplace occupations may require students to take some college-level courses

Post-secondary options

• It's hard to say where you'll learn the most about metalworking--sculpture class or machine shop. Try both!
  
  
• Previous experience as a helper in a metalworking shop is a real plus. Also, consider educational options through technical schools, trade organizations, and colleges. Having a few machine operating or other tech courses on your resum￩ is definitely in your favour.
  
  
• Many employers will start you out as a labourer no matter what your background. Once you complete company training, you'll move into a machine operator position. Even then, you'll be integrated gradually as you gain the relevant experience and skills.
  
  
• You will need both physical and mental stamina. It's repetitive work, but every detail counts--and production moves at a fast clip.

There may be several different paths to a career. Post-secondary education or training programs will help, but they are not a guarantee. You should research your options carefully before deciding on any program of study. Click here for a comparison chart of institutions or accreditations.

The following programs offered at Ontario post-secondary institutions may be helpful in pursuing a career in this field. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.

Institution	Programs offered
University
McMaster University	Metallurgy of Iron and Steel - Certificate
College
Algonquin College	Precision Metal Fabricator - Apprenticeship Sheet Metal Worker - Apprenticeship
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning	General Metal Machinist
Durham College - Skills Training Centre (Whitby)	Precision Metal Fabricator - Apprenticeship
Fanshawe College	Sheet Metal Apprentice Welding Techniques (Simcoe)
Fanshawe College - James N. Allan Campus (Simcoe)	Welding Techniques (Simcoe)
Registered Career College
Creative Career Systems Inc - Owen Sound	Industrial Metallurgy
Creative Career Systems Inc - Toronto	Industrial Metallurgy
Granton Institute of Technology	Metallurgy, Metals and Processes

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Career path

Wondering how you could prepare for a career in this field? Or what else you might do once you have some experience?

Most metalworking machine operators go from running machines to doing setup once they have more experience. Some specialize in one machine, others learn to prep and operate many different machines.

Doing setup or running multiple machines usually means higher pay. If you have these skills and work well with people, you can become a trainer or supervisor. You can also consider training for a more skilled trade, such as machinist.

Employers

These are examples of the places, businesses and industries that employ people in this field:

structural steel fabrication
boiler and platework manufacturing companies
heavy machinery manufacturing companies
manufacturing companies in the ship building industry

Work environment

Metalworking areas can be noisy, not-so-nice-and-clean environments. If you like the work, you probably won't mind the mess, and earplugs and safety gear will help with the rest.

Unless production is hopping because the company just got a huge rush order, you can expect to work a 40-hour week. Shiftwork is common in big operations.

Common job titles

Also Known As....

Brake press operator
Disk flange operator
Metalworking machine operator
Power press operator
Punch press operator
Rolls operator
Saw operator
Shear operator
Vertical press operator

For more information

Links to associations, organizations, unions and other places that may be able to provide more information.

• Minerals & Metal: A World to Discover
  This is another well-designed, informative site developed by the government of Canada. Well worth exploring.

• Mining Association of Canada
  For a look at the history of mining in Canada.

• Ontario Job Futures
  Information on occupations common to Ontario. Includes job descriptions, employment outlook, salaries, etc. (Government of Ontario)