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Metal Cutter

Industrial workers with welding toolsMetal cutters and welders work in a variety of environments, including indoors, outdoors, underground, factories, construction sites of all scales, and even on scaffolding or platforms. There is a steady demand for these useful skills and options for specialization within these careers. Along with many other valuable skills, students learn to become metal cutters in the welding program at Pennco Tech, serving students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The welding school is offered at our Bristol, PA, campus.

What Do Metal Cutters Do?

Metal cutters operate hand-held or remote-control tools and equipment to cut and trim metals. These tools generate heat with gases, which is also known as plasma cutting, or use an electric arc to cut the metals. Powered cutting wheels and other tools are also used for this work. Whether setting up pieces of metal to be welded or trimming metal for a fabrication process, these professionals make even, careful cuts. They must often read blueprints and specifications, and they can identify metals and other materials that are part of the construction process. Workers use calculations when planning cuts, or when creating patterns for cutting.

Industries That Employ Metal Cutters

Throughout the industrial sector, metal workers are needed in several areas, including:

  • All types of fabrication, including pipes and metal products
  • Primary metal manufacturing
  • Preparation for welding projects
  • Shipbuilding and dock crafting
  • Construction
  • Transportation equipment, including railways, automobiles, buses, and trucks

These work sites can be dangerous, so metal cutters must exercise caution and adhere to strict safety protocols on the job. When not engaged in fabrication and construction, metal cutters may be employed to dismantle metal objects, including railroad cars, ships, and other structures. They are always required to wear protective clothing, footwear, and gloves. They use helmets and heavy-duty eye shields while performing their work.

Career Options for Metal Cutters

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects at least 47,600 openings for welders, metal cutters, solderers, and brazers every year through 2031. These occupations earned a median wage of $47,010 in May 2021. Metal workers assist welding operations by preparing metals for efficient welding. They work in teams at large job sites, or they can work as individuals in smaller factory settings. Metal cutters may also be self-employed, contracting at construction sites.

As they gain experience and increase their expertise with a variety of tools, these professionals can manage crews of metal workers or assembly line systems. Those who specialize in large-scale construction may travel to distant work sites. Usually working full-time, metal cutters may be scheduled in eight- or 12-hour shifts, depending on their work environment. They may also be employed at around-the-clock operations.

Train to Become a Metal Cutter at Pennco Tech

Our trade school welding program at Pennco Tech lasts 26 weeks and teaches the basics of welding and metal cutting. Students learn both welding fundamentals and advanced welding during that time. Classes include lectures by experienced, professional instructors, as well as extensive, hands-on lab training. The focus of the program is to develop skills in base metal selection, identification, and application. Additionally, students learn shop safety, equipment maintenance, and blueprint reading, as well as several types of welding. When metal cutters perform their work with skill and precision, the successive welds are more consistent and stronger.

This trade skill is key to building safe, durable, and efficient constructions. Graduates of our welding program are ready for entry-level jobs as metal cutters, and other occupations related to welding. While the program does not confer any state-certified licensing, our classes prepare students to pursue certification on their own.

We will also be introducing the first part-time welding program in March 2023. Classes will be held in the evening to expand access to more students.

Advantages of Our Trade School Program

Learn to be a metal cutter in our welding school at Pennco Tech. You will enjoy participating in a class environment that supports students while teaching them practical skills. We welcome veterans to our diverse student body, and our girl power at Pennco Tech initiative recognizes that women and girls are now working in trade careers that were traditionally male-dominated. Plus, high school seniors who apply and are accepted into our welding program have the chance to receive a $1,000 scholarship, provided they enroll in the same calendar year they graduate.

Most students at Pennco Tech take advantage of financial aid to help pay for expenses while attending our vocational school. We help eligible students get grants, scholarships, and student loans so they can graduate and start their new careers. Career services are also available to students, graduates, and alumni at Pennco Tech. We help you write your resume, work on interview skills, and network with national and local employers. If you need interview clothes, we can help with that, too. Alumni receive lifetime career support at Pennco Tech.

Learn to Be a Metal Cutter at Pennco Tech

At Pennco Tech, our goal is to help students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania find rewarding careers. If you are interested in the welding program and the metal cutting expertise available to you at Pennco Tech in Bristol, PA, contact us today for more information.

‘I got it!!!!!I got it!’, Anthony said as he raced into the Career Services Office. He was talking about his new job. Hired by a former graduate of Pennco Tech, Anthony will begin his new career with a two-day OSHA training course.

Anthony Z. - Air Conditioning/Heating Graduate

I enjoyed all my teachers. They made it interesting and challenging. I enjoyed going back to school at the age of 48! Career Services was a big help to me. Danielle was great. She helped me with my resume and showed me how to apply. I got the job with Dietz and Watson! Pennco Tech was the right choice for me as I get ready to start my career.

Mark E. - Electrician Graduate

I just wanted to say thank you again for all your help…I just got a full time job at Kennedy Healthcare in Stratford, NJ as a Patient Services Representative. Thank you again.

Maria Z. - Medical Assisting Administrative Graduate
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