Overview
Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators operate forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. Light metalworking machine operators are employed by sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing establishments. Heavy metalworking machine operators are employed by structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators are employed primarily in the fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Metalworking machine operators
Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, roll, ream, punch and drill, weld or otherwise shape and form metal stock into parts or products
Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
May document work completed
May build staging or erect scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs
May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.
Forging machine operators
Operate gas or oil fired furnaces to heat metal to proper temperature prior to forging
Place metal pieces in furnace using hand tongs or overhead cranes and remove from furnace when colour of metal indicates proper forging temperature, or load and unload furnace with automatic conveyor
Position heated or cold metal pieces, on die of press or other forging machinery
Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, twisting, forming, drawing, upsetting, splitting, cutting, punching, piercing, bending, coining, or other operations to shape or form metal
Position and adjust dies on anvil of forging machinery using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices and hand tools.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,498
$52,140
$62,568
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
149expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school education may be required.
Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
On-the-job training is usually provided.
Additional information
There is little or no mobility between operators of light and heavy metalworking machines.
Progression to structural metal fabricator or supervisory positions is possible with experience for metalworking machine operators.
Progression to blacksmith, die setting, or supervisory positions is possible with experience for forging machine operators.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.