Structural Steel Fitter

As a Structural Steel Fitter, you install metals in or on structures. You’re responsible for reading blueprints, deciding on the proper materials needed in construction, and cutting steel or other metals for the job. Because many of the jobs you have to accomplish are associated with massive building construction, you’re also required to operate heavy equipment—including forklifts and cranes—to move your materials around the construction site as needed.

In this line of work, you have tools of the trade that you must use with expertise. So if you’re the type of person who must have a power tool in hand to feel complete, this is the job for you. Your tools include welders and welding machines, cutting torches, grinders, shears, drills, and computer numerical control (or CNC) equipment.

In addition, you use drill presses, flame torches, jigs, and sledges. These tools allow you to cut steel, bend it, punch it, and otherwise manipulate it to create the desired form.

Needless to say, Structural Steel Fitters work outdoors most of the time, but you will not be alone. Your job requires you to communicate on a constant basis with Architects, Construction Supervisors, and other Structural Steel Fitters or Construction Workers to complete your tasks. If you supervise a crew to meet the job requirements, you will also need to be able to train the crewmembers on various portions of the construction that you’re responsible for.