Metal Technology
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Ed Hamilton
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Metal Technology Program is designed to prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in a variety of metalworking occupations. Instruction includes setting up and operating machine tools; metal fabricating, forming and cutting machines;
Assembling of metal products and structures; practices related to ferrous and nonferrous foundries; and welding and cutting processes. Instruction is also provided in the use of hand and portable power tools in making computations related to work dimensions, the physical properties of materials and other related instruction and skills associated with metalworking occupations. Metals are formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, fused, stamped or otherwise worked upon.
OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION
It is essential that anyone working in the metal working field should have a good understanding of safety in the industrial workplace. They should be knowledgeable in the areas of personal safety, equipment, and flammable fluids and gases. This program is based on proven operations and techniques used in the manufacturing and fabricating industries. Through daily demonstrations and theory classes with major emphasis directed to “hands on” day to day experiences in a metalworking laboratory. The student should become skilled in the use of hand and power tools and equipment. The student will become competent in the skills associated with turning, milling, shaping, drilling, grinding, sawing, cutting, and welding a variety of ferrous and nonferrous metals. The graduate will have a wide range of job opportunities to choose from in the metal working field. From our teaching exposure, experience, co-op training and job placement program, a student can start their career in any of the S.O.C. titles previously shown.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Many industrial institutions have modern equipment, convenient and comfortable work areas, and air conditioning. There are smaller and older companies that may not be as well equipped. There is a wide variety in working conditions within the metal working industry. These conditions are directly related to the type of work being performed. Workers generally must be able to stand for hours at a time, lift a specific amount of weight, and work in hot or cold conditions. Job hazards include falls, cut, burns, as well as other dangers specific to job performance. Work hours may include late evenings, holidays, and /or mandatory overtime. Workers benefit from organizations such as OSHA and Insurance Companies of America to insure workers safety.
PROJECTED SALARIES
Starting wages in any of chosen fields previously shown range from twelve to fourteen dollars an hour. Persons enrolled in apprenticeships in specific trades earn wages on a graduated scale. A trade journeyman in these fields earns a median salary of forty thousand dollars. A journeyman with years of experience can earn up to sixty-five thousand dollars a year.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Job opportunities in the metal working fields should be plentiful. In the machine trades fields the projected need for the next ten years is as follows: machinists 102,000, tool & die makers 23,000, tool grinders, filers, & shapers 7,000, computer controlled machine tool operators 21,000, machine tool setters, operators, & tenders 27,000. In the welding trades fields the projected need for the next ten years is as follows: welders, cutters, & welder fitters 125,000, solderers & brazers 24,000, structural metal fabricators & fitters 125,000, sheet metal workers 72,000, welders, cutters, solderers, & brazers 125,000.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Reading Area Community College
Montgomery County Community College
