Metal fabricator

A metal fabricator builds metal structures and products by cutting, bending, and assembling metal to specification. They read blueprints, measure and lay out, cut and shape metal with saws, shears, and presses, weld and fasten pieces together, and produce everything from structural components to machinery parts and custom products.

The work combines several metalworking skills — cutting, forming, welding, finishing — in a hands-on shop environment. Fabricators work in manufacturing, fabrication shops, and construction supply.

The job suits versatile, practical people who enjoy building tangible things from raw metal and want a skilled trade that spans the whole process of turning stock and plans into finished metal products.