NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Sheet Metal Workers

SOC 47-2211.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers sheet metal fabrication, HVAC duct installation, roofing and architectural metalwork, and shop/field leadership across residential, commercial, and light-industrial construction environments calibrated to Job Zone 2 vocational preparation.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Hand tools and basic measuring instruments — identify and handle under direct supervision on a commercial or residential job site.
  2. Layout lines and reference marks — transfer dimensions onto sheet metal panels using squares, scribes, and rulers following provided blueprints.
  3. Prefabricated duct sections and sheet metal components — transport and stage at construction sites under the guidance of a journeyman.
  4. Seams and basic joints — fasten using drive clips or rivets on simple assemblies while following step-by-step instructions in a shop setting.
  5. Safety protocols and PPE requirements — recognize and apply consistently when handling sheet metal edges and power tools in a fabrication environment.
  6. Simple measurements and material dimensions — calculate using basic arithmetic and a calculator to support layout tasks on entry-level projects.
  7. Written work orders and blueprint labels — read and interpret with supervision to locate dimensions and material specifications on standard HVAC drawings.
  8. Hand shears and punch tools — operate to cut or perforate sheet metal blanks under close oversight in a fabrication shop.
  9. Solder and caulk — apply to low-complexity joints on ductwork under direct instruction from an experienced sheet metal worker.
  10. Finished assemblies and scrap material — sort, clean, and organize in the work area to maintain a safe and efficient job-site environment.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Duct sections for standard HVAC systems — fabricate independently from shop drawings using shears, brakes, and rollers in a production shop environment.
  2. Layout dimensions and reference lines — calculate and mark on roofing panels and duct blanks using dividers and calculators with minimal oversight.
  3. Seams and joints — assemble using welds, bolts, rivets, solder, or cement on moderate-complexity assemblies at commercial construction sites.
  4. Prefabricated parts and tools — load, secure, and transport to job sites, confirming inventory against work orders before departure.
  5. Flashing, gutters, and downspouts — install into supportive frameworks following installation sequences on light commercial or residential projects.
  6. HVAC duct assemblies and furnace casings — fit and secure in mechanical rooms, coordinating placement with adjacent trades to avoid conflicts.
  7. Hand and power tools — maintain and perform minor repairs or blade replacements to keep equipment in safe working condition during a project.
  8. Spreadsheet software — use to record material quantities and track job progress on routine assignments with periodic supervisor review.
  9. Apprentices and helpers — provide on-the-job guidance on basic layout and fastening techniques under a journeyman's direction.
  10. Time and task sequencing — manage across multiple daily work assignments to meet project milestones on mid-size construction sites.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex HVAC duct systems — fabricate and install for high-efficiency configurations, optimizing dimensions and fittings to maximize airflow performance on large commercial projects.
  2. Non-standard or field-altered parts — design and produce at the construction site using shears, hammers, punches, and drills when prefabricated components do not fit as planned.
  3. Full installation assemblies — coordinate and complete independently, including flashing, pipes, tubes, and downspouts, across diverse building types and structural conditions.
  4. Welded and bolted joints on structural ductwork — inspect and certify for quality and code compliance before system commissioning on commercial builds.
  5. CAD and CAM software — interpret and apply to review fabrication files, verify tolerances, and communicate changes to shop production teams.
  6. Critical-path scheduling and material planning — develop for sheet metal scopes on multi-phase construction projects, adjusting timelines in response to site conditions.
  7. Equipment malfunctions and tool failures — diagnose and repair or modify shears, brakes, and roll-forming machines to minimize production downtime.
  8. Technical specifications, building codes, and HVAC standards — read and apply to ensure installations meet regulatory requirements without supervisor review.
  9. New employees and apprentices — train in layout, fabrication, and installation techniques, providing structured feedback that accelerates their skill development.
  10. Cross-trade coordination — lead problem-solving discussions with HVAC mechanics, electricians, and general contractors to resolve spatial conflicts and sequence work efficiently.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Workforce hiring and apprenticeship programs — design and oversee to build a skilled sheet metal crew aligned with project pipeline and organizational growth goals.
  2. Organizational fabrication standards and quality control procedures — establish and enforce across multiple shop and field teams to ensure consistent workmanship.
  3. CAD and CAM technology adoption — lead implementation of updated design and manufacturing software, training journeymen and shop staff on new workflows.
  4. Project bids and material cost estimates — develop for large-scale HVAC and architectural sheet metal contracts, applying deep knowledge of production rates and market pricing.
  5. Safety culture and OSHA compliance programs — champion across all job sites and the fabrication shop, setting policy and conducting audits that reduce incident rates.
  6. Senior sheet metal workers and foremen — mentor and coach in advanced fabrication techniques, leadership skills, and code knowledge to build organizational depth.
  7. High-efficiency HVAC system designs — review and consult on with engineers and architects, contributing sheet metal fabrication expertise that optimizes system performance and constructability.
  8. Production capacity and shop scheduling — manage strategically across concurrent projects, balancing labor, machine time, and material delivery to meet commitments.
  9. Company-wide technology and equipment investment decisions — evaluate and recommend, assessing ROI of new forming, welding, or CAM equipment for long-term competitiveness.
  10. Industry standards bodies and apprenticeship councils — represent the organization, contributing to trade curriculum development and advocating for workforce and regulatory improvements.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

A 4-level framework describing how a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline. Subscribe for $19.99/mo to read the full framework — or sign in if you have a subscription.

  1. Emerging
  2. Developing
  3. Proficient
  4. Advanced
Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library

Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency levels for this occupation. Subscribe to unlock the full Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework across all 1,016 occupations.

Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library
Show O*NET source anchors48 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Sheet Metal Worker · AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer) · Air Duct Mechanic · Aircraft Metalsmith · Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic · Angle Bender · Aviation Metalsmith · Beam Worker · Ceiling Installer · Chute Builder · Commercial Sheet Metal Service Installer · Coppersmith
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0060 · Sheet Metal Worker
O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionMonitoringCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementActive ListeningSpeakingMathematics
Knowledge domains
MechanicalBuilding and ConstructionMathematicsDesignEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingProduction and ProcessingEngineering and Technology
Abilities
VisualizationNear VisionManual DexterityMultilimb CoordinationArm-Hand SteadinessSelective AttentionFinger DexterityInformation OrderingWritten ComprehensionOral Expression
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCautiousnessPerseveranceAchievement OrientationStress Tolerance
Technology
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareOperating system softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.
  2. Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
  3. Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
  4. Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.
  5. Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, or downspouts in supportive frameworks.
  6. Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.
  7. Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
  8. Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.
CIP education codes
48.0506

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.