Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Sheet Metal Apprentice

💰 $36,000 - $50,000

ManufacturingSheet MetalApprenticeshipFabrication

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Sheet Metal Apprentice is an entry-level, hands-on role within a fast-paced sheet metal fabrication environment. Working directly under journeyman fabricators and production supervisors, the apprentice supports the full production lifecycle: interpreting blueprints and CAD nest files, preparing raw material, operating and learning to program fabrication equipment (press brakes, shears, laser cutters, CNC punch/press), performing basic MIG/TIG welding and assembly, deburring and finishing, and conducting first-article and in-process inspection. This position emphasizes safety, accuracy, and continuous learning with a clear pathway to journeyman status or CNC/fabrication specialist roles. Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a coachable attitude are essential.

Keywords: sheet metal apprentice, sheet metal fabrication, CNC press brake, laser cutting, blueprint reading, metal forming, MIG welding, TIG welding, fabrication apprenticeship, manufacturing entry-level.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High school diploma or vocational metal fabrication/welding program.
  • Previous internship or summer work in a manufacturing or machine shop environment.
  • Completion of a pre-apprenticeship or technical training (welding, CAD basics).

Advancement To:

  • Journeyman Sheet Metal Fabricator
  • CNC Press Brake Operator / Programmer
  • Laser/CNC Machine Operator
  • Fabrication Supervisor / Lead Hand
  • Maintenance Technician or Tooling Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Welding Specialist (MIG/TIG certification)
  • Sheet Metal Estimator / Production Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Learn to accurately read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and CAD nest files to determine part layouts, bend lines, and tolerances, and apply that information to cutting, forming and assembly tasks under supervision.
  • Prepare raw materials by measuring, marking, and laying out sheet metal using precision tools such as calipers, combination squares, and protractors to ensure correct dimensions prior to cutting and forming.
  • Safely operate and assist in the setup of manual and CNC press brakes, perform simple bend sequences, and learn to adjust tooling and back gauges to produce consistent formed parts that meet print tolerances.
  • Assist in the operation and basic programming of CNC laser cutters, plasma cutters, and turret punch machines to execute cutting schedules and nesting plans while minimizing material waste.
  • Perform shearing and sheeting operations on manual and hydraulic shears, ensuring square cuts and consistent edge quality for downstream forming and welding operations.
  • Support basic welding and joining operations (MIG, occasional TIG or spot welding) for simple assemblies, learning proper joint preparation, welding parameters and post-weld inspection under experienced supervision.
  • Assemble fabricated components using fasteners, rivets, welds and adhesives according to drawings and assembly instructions, ensuring correct fit-up and alignment prior to final joining.
  • Deburr, grind, sand and finish edges and surfaces to required surface quality standards, applying primers, paints, or protective coatings as directed by production processes.
  • Use measuring and inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, go/no-go gauges) to perform first-article inspections and in-process checks, documenting measurements and reporting deviations to leads.
  • Maintain accurate production documentation including traveler cards, inspection checklists, material tags and time logs to support traceability and quality systems.
  • Safely rig, position and move sheet metal parts using material handling equipment (hoists, forklifts—with certification preferred) and manual lifting techniques while observing ergonomic best practices.
  • Adhere to shop safety protocols including lockout/tagout, PPE usage, machine guarding, and fire prevention; participate in daily safety briefings and bring attention to unsafe conditions.
  • Participate in setup and teardown of fixtures, dies, and tooling for forming and welding operations, learning best practices in tool maintenance and storage.
  • Follow lean manufacturing and 5S principles to keep workstations organized, minimize waste, and improve flow; make suggestions for process improvements as part of continuous improvement efforts.
  • Troubleshoot basic forming, cutting and welding issues in collaboration with journeymen and supervisors, documenting root causes and corrective actions for recurring problems.
  • Learn to read and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements on drawings to ensure parts meet functional fit and assembly specifications.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance on shop equipment, clean machines, replace consumables (nozzles, tips, blades), and report mechanical issues to maintenance staff promptly.
  • Support production scheduling by communicating progress, estimated completion times and material needs to supervisors and planners to help meet daily targets.
  • Train on and follow company quality control procedures and ISO/industry-specific standards, assist in internal audits, and help implement corrective actions when non-conformances are found.
  • Maintain inventory of common consumables (fasteners, welding wire, grinding discs) and assist in counting and staging materials for upcoming jobs to support uninterrupted production.
  • Participate in structured apprenticeship training modules, on-the-job learning, and external classroom sessions as required; document competencies and complete sign-offs for required skills.
  • Apply safe handling and storage practices for hazardous materials and metalworking fluids, understand SDS requirements, and follow disposal protocols.
  • Support special projects such as prototype builds, pilot runs and custom one-off fabrications by assisting with layout, mock-ups and first-article verification.
  • Communicate clearly with engineers, estimators and fabricators to resolve drawing ambiguities, request clarifications, and propose practical manufacturing solutions that reduce cost and lead time.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist manufacturing engineering with feedback on manufacturability and suggested design-for-manufacturing edits for sheet metal parts to reduce complexity and cost.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by participating in Kaizen events and offering practical shop-floor ideas to improve cycle time and reduce scrap.
  • Help maintain tooling libraries, operation sheets and standard work documentation to speed up future setups and ensure consistent quality.
  • Shadow senior fabricators during complex assemblies, special processes and quality inspections to accelerate skills acquisition and certification readiness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint reading and interpretation for sheet metal parts, including bend lines, material callouts, and tolerance comprehension.
  • Hands-on experience or demonstrable training with press brakes (manual and CNC), including basic setup and bend sequencing principles.
  • Operation and safe use of cutting equipment such as laser cutters, plasma cutters, turret punch machines and shears.
  • Basic welding skills (MIG welding required; exposure to TIG and spot welding strongly preferred) with knowledge of joint preparation and basic welding symbols.
  • Proficient use of measurement and inspection tools: digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors and soldering/inspection magnifiers.
  • Familiarity with sheet metal forming techniques: bending, flanging, hemming, beading, notching and stretching.
  • Basic CNC nesting and shop software awareness; ability to follow nested part layouts and communicate nesting issues.
  • Exposure to CAD/CAM or sheet metal CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, TruNest, Lantek or equivalent) is a plus for reading digital prints and simple part edits.
  • Knowledge of metal types (mild steel, stainless, aluminum) and their forming/welding implications, including thickness/gage selection.
  • Understanding of GD&T fundamentals and inspection documentation for ensuring parts meet functional specs.
  • Experience with deburring, finishing, and applying protective coatings or primer for corrosion resistance and part aesthetics.
  • Proficiency in standard shop math, measuring conversions, and using formulas for bend allowance and flat patterns (trainable on the job).
  • Forklift and material handling experience or willingness to obtain certification.
  • Familiarity with basic preventive maintenance tasks for shop equipment and the ability to identify when to escalate maintenance issues.
  • Knowledge of shop quality processes and the ability to perform first-article inspections and basic non-conformance reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Strong willingness to learn, receptive to coaching, and committed to apprenticeship progression.
  • Excellent attention to detail and pride in producing accurately fabricated parts to print specifications.
  • Clear verbal and written communication to coordinate with supervisors, engineers and peers about production status and quality issues.
  • Time management and the ability to prioritize tasks in a high-throughput production environment to meet shift goals.
  • Team player who supports coworkers, shares knowledge, and contributes positively to a collaborative shop culture.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify simple root causes and implement immediate corrective actions while escalating complex issues.
  • Safety-first attitude, consistently follows PPE requirements and promotes safe practices among peers.
  • Adaptability to changing production schedules, job types and processes as required by the business.
  • Dependable attendance and strong work ethic to support shift-based manufacturing operations.
  • Continuous improvement orientation — open to learning lean/5S methodologies and participating in process improvement activities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; demonstrated mechanical aptitude and shop experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical diploma or certificate in sheet metal technology, welding, or manufacturing technology from a trade school, community college or vocational program.
  • Completion of a recognized apprenticeship pre-program or relevant industry coursework.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Sheet Metal Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance / Mechanical Technology
  • CAD / Mechanical Drafting (sheet metal focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 2 years of hands-on experience in a metalworking, welding or fabrication environment (entry-level candidates with strong training or trade school background encouraged).

Preferred:

  • 1+ year of shop experience or successful completion of a related technical program.
  • Any prior experience operating press brakes, shears, laser cutters, or performing welding is a strong advantage.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, forklift operator, welding certification (AWS, MIG/TIG) are preferred but not always required at hire; willingness to pursue certifications during apprenticeship is expected.
Explore More Careers