Becoming a sheet metal worker in Cleveland, TN, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with an average hourly wage of $21.23, translating to approximately $44,200 annually. In Cleveland, TN, apprentices earn an average of $425.75 per week, with an annual overtime average of $10,892. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced professionals.
About the position The Multi-Craft Sheet Metal Mechanic at Cherokee Millwright is responsible for fabricating, assembling, installing, and repairing sheet metal products while being cross-trained in various trades such as millwrighting, pipefitting, and welding. This role requires reading blueprints, operating fabricating machines, and performing welding tasks, among other duties, to meet the unique job requests of customers. Responsibilities • Reads and interprets blueprints, sketches, or product specifications to determine sequence and methods of fabricating, assembling, and installing sheet metal products. , • Selects gauge and type of sheet metal according to product specifications. , • Lays out and marks dimensions and reference lines on material to develop and trace patterns of product or parts. , • Sets up and operates fabricating machines to cut, bend, block and form, or straighten materials. , • Shapes metal material over anvil, block, or other form. , • Trims, files, grinds, deburrs, buffs, and smoothes surfaces. , • Welds, solders, bolts, rivets, screws, clips, caulks, or bonds component parts to assemble products. , • Welds metal parts together using gas welding or brazing and any combination of arc welding processes. , • Performs related tasks such as thermal cutting and grinding. , • Installs assemblies in supportive framework according to blueprints. , • Inspects assemblies and installation for conformance to specifications. , • Repairs and maintains sheet metal products. Requirements • High school diploma or GED; plus one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. , • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. , • Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. , • Ability to operate various fabricating and welding equipment. Nice-to-haves Benefits • Competitive salary , • Comprehensive benefits package
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