Machining, Metal Forming, Shaping and Erecting Trades Contractors and Supervisors

Nature of work

Contractors and supervisors in machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related jobs supervise and coordinate the activities of the following groups of workers: Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors, Tool and die makers, Sheet metal workers, Boilermakers, Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters, Ironworkers, Welders and related machine operators and Machining tool operators. They work for structural, platework and related metal products production, manufacturing companies and machine shops. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group:

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
• Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments.
• Request materials and supplies.
• Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
• Train or arrange for training of workers.
• Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
• Make sure standards for safe working conditions are met.
• Prepare production and other reports.
• Set up machines and equipment and write programs for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools.
• May manage their own companies.
• May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, machine operators, helpers and labourers.
• Small businesses' contractors may execute tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Sample job titles

• blacksmith foreman/woman
• boilermaker supervisor
• ironworker contractor
• machine ship supervisor
• machinist foreman/woman
• maintenance machine shop foreman/woman
• metal mould and pattenmakers supervisor
• sheet metal workers supervisor
• structural metal fitter supervisor
• tool and die inspectors supervisor
• tool and die makers foreman/woman
• welder supervisor

Skills

You must be able to work well with a variety of people. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are essential. You must also be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and work as part of a team. You should be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• Several years of experience as a qualified machinist or tool and die maker.
• Journeyperson trade certification in machining, tool and die making or in another related metalworking trade is required.

Other considerations

Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. Workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. There is some movement among jobs within a specific trade, however, there is little or no inter-trade movement particularly among supervisors.

Regulations

Contacts

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