{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:40:08.161Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-2041.00","title":"Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers structural metal fabrication and fitting work performed in industrial and commercial production shops, spanning blueprint interpretation, machine operation, part fitting and welding, dimensional inspection, and shop-floor coordination across all career stages from entry-level trainees to department leads.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Measuring tapes, squares, and rulers — apply to verify basic workpiece dimensions against written specifications under direct supervisor oversight on a fabrication shop floor.","Engineering drawings and blueprints — read and interpret to identify material types and basic task sequences with guidance from a journeyman fabricator.","Metal stock and workpieces — inspect visually and by measurement to confirm that raw materials meet job specifications before processing begins.","Hand tools and clamps — use to position and secure small metal parts in preparation for fitting or tack welding under close supervision.","Tack-weld joints — perform on pre-fitted, pre-positioned parts following step-by-step instructions in a supervised production environment.","Jigs and fixtures — set up and load with pre-cut metal components following written work orders in a structured fabrication cell.","Hoists and manual lifting techniques — apply to move light-to-moderate metal parts into position safely under direct direction on the shop floor.","Braces, jacks, and bolt straps — position and tighten to hold parts in alignment for welding following demonstrated procedure under supervision.","Basic fabricating machines such as grinders and drill presses — operate for single-step tasks following established safety protocols and operator checklists.","Shop safety rules and personal protective equipment — follow consistently when handling metal stock and operating hand tools in a production shop setting."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Workpiece conformance checks — conduct independently using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes to verify dimensional accuracy against engineering tolerances on routine production jobs.","Blueprint and drawing details — interpret to determine full material requirements and multi-step task sequences without direct supervision on standard fabrication assignments.","Metal components — position, align, fit, and weld into subunits following layout specifications and using jigs and welding torches with minimal oversight in a production shop.","Flame cutters, shears, and brakes — set up and operate to cut, bend, and form metal components to specified dimensions for recurring job types.","Tack-weld sequences — plan and execute on multiple fitted parts to maintain alignment and dimensional integrity during subassembly in a production environment.","Overhead cranes and hoists — operate to move medium-weight structural metal parts accurately into position, observing rigging and load-limit guidelines.","Clamping and bolting arrangements — select and apply appropriate braces and bolt-strap configurations to stabilize assemblies for full welding on standard structural jobs.","Measurement discrepancies and fit-up problems — identify and report to engineering or supervision with clear descriptions during routine production runs.","Spreadsheet and word processing software — use to record production data, material quantities, and inspection results for shop floor tracking purposes.","Critical thinking about sequence and tolerances — apply to evaluate whether fabrication steps are in the correct order before committing parts to irreversible cuts or welds."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Full structural assemblies — fabricate autonomously from raw stock to finished unit by integrating blueprint reading, machine setup, fitting, and welding across complex, non-routine job orders.","Engineering drawings with tight tolerances — analyze independently to resolve ambiguities, determine optimal material utilization, and sequence multi-operation fabrication plans.","Fabricating machine parameters for brakes, rolls, and punches — calculate and set to achieve precise bends, forms, and holes on varied material gauges and alloy types.","Non-standard fit-up and alignment challenges — diagnose and correct by adapting jig configurations, shimming, or adjusting clamping arrangements on difficult structural components.","Weld quality and joint integrity — evaluate against drawing callouts and AWS standards, identifying defects and determining corrective action before final inspection.","Crane, hoist, and rigging plans — develop and execute for heavy or awkward structural sections, ensuring load control and positioning accuracy throughout the lift.","CAD software and ERP systems — utilize to retrieve job specifications, cross-check material inventory, and document production status across concurrent fabrication projects.","Measurement and inspection results — compile and analyze to identify dimensional trends or recurring nonconformances, recommending process adjustments to supervision.","Active listening and technical communication — apply when coordinating with welders, engineers, and quality inspectors to resolve fabrication issues efficiently on a busy shop floor.","Mentoring newer fabricators — demonstrate proper measuring, fitting, and machine-operation techniques to apprentices during live production runs."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Fabrication workflow and work-cell layout — redesign to optimize throughput, reduce rework, and improve safety across an entire structural metal fabrication department.","Complex blueprint packages and engineering change orders — review and approve for fabricability, flagging design conflicts and proposing cost-effective modifications before production release.","Fabricating machine capacity and tooling programs — plan and manage across multiple machine types to schedule production, minimize downtime, and meet delivery commitments.","Quality standards and inspection protocols — establish for the shop floor, integrating dimensional verification, weld inspection, and nonconformance tracking into daily operations.","Apprentice and journeyman development programs — design and lead, using structured on-the-job tasks and competency checkpoints aligned to industry credential requirements.","ERP and production-tracking systems — configure and oversee to ensure accurate material, labor, and schedule data flow from order intake through final inspection.","Cross-functional coordination with engineering, procurement, and project management — lead to align fabrication capabilities with project timelines and material availability at an organizational level.","Workplace safety culture — champion by authoring standard operating procedures, conducting hazard assessments, and modeling rigorous PPE and rigging discipline across all shifts.","Continuous improvement initiatives — drive using production data and fabricator feedback to reduce scrap, rework hours, and cycle time on high-volume structural components.","Organizational capability and technology investment — advise leadership on new fabricating equipment, automation options, and workforce training needs to sustain competitive production output."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}