The metalworking of business is not for everyone. It requires a keen eye and a passion for metal forming. And getting your foot in the door in this industry is not as easy as it seems.
But, if you enjoy working with your hands and creating valuable products that help the world go ‘round, a career in metalworking could be for you. Continue reading to see if you fit the bill and to learn some of the key requirements necessary for starting a fulfilling metalworking career.
Metalworking career benefits
Before diving into the requirements, here are a few benefits a career in metalworking can give to an individual hoping to start working in the field.
Metalworking involves many different areas of expertise. All these different options mean that there is something out there for everyone.
Welders, blacksmiths, furniture makers, certain engineers, and metalworking plant managers all fall into this category. Their roles vary, but they essentially have the same set of skills and knowledge base.
A career in metalworking is broad and can look different and unique depending on every person. This variety and freedom can seem attractive to many people looking to explore their options.
The trade requires knowledge of metalworking tools and mil spec oil
According to a recent study, manufacturing companies estimate that machine shutdowns in the last three years were caused by something simple. Employees using incompatible oil for lubrication has caused many plants to slow down production or shut down altogether.
Knowing the ins and outs of mil spec oil compatibility is valuable for this reason. Mil spec oil is specific to military grade equipment, for example. However, on the other hand, you may use a different kind of lubricant for other machining tools.
Since there are so many factors that go into machining and metalworking, receiving the proper schooling is crucial. This introduces the next requirement.
The proper training
You can’t get the job you want without getting the proper training first. Metalworking jobs require you to have experience in this technical trade. But first, you must obtain your high school diploma or GED. Some metalworking careers may not require a degree from a higher level institution.
An apprenticeship is also a valid form of experience. However, you ultimately want to enroll in a school with a metalworking specific program to help you on your way to becoming a professional.
Trade school can supply you with the tools you need to become an expert. While in school, students will learn everything from mil spec oils and lubricants to the importance of using synthetic oils in certain scenarios. They will also learn how to safely cut and shape the metal using a variety of different tools.
Setting up shop
If you have decided to set up your own shop after acquiring your license and the proper amount of schooling, you will need the proper equipment.
- lathes
- drillbits
- saws
- goggles and gloves
- mallets
- tin snips
These are just a few items you may need to start selling your own machining services.
Wrapping up
There are many requirements one must face before starting a viable career in the metalworking field.
However, if you currently meet all these or have current plans to learn the ins and outs of the trade, you’d may make an exceptional candidate.
Without knowledgable metalworkers in the field, we would not have some of the most useful and technologically advanced products in society. We would not have cars, planes, or even something as simple as jewelry.
It’s a useful field that is changing lives everyday.