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Useful experience for metal workers includes:

• foundry work
• work experience in an industrial workshop
• work with plastics, wood and metals.

Metal workers may do some or all of the following:

• read, interpret and create design drawings
• build plugs (plastic replicas), and then produce patterns from materials such as wood, fibreglass and metal
• make moulds
• use new technology such as 3D printing and CNC pattern making 
• heat and melt metal and pour it into moulds or hammer and cut it to shape
• remove castings from moulds when they have cooled
• inspect, test and repair metal castings
• temper, harden, polish and coat the final metal product.

Decline in metal manufacturing limits opportunities

Chances of getting entry-level work as a metal worker are poor because:

• some metal working companies have reduced staff and outsourced work to countries where production costs are lower
• metals and metal products exports have flattened off due to increased international competition 

Increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship

Although there are fewer entry-level positions available, a small number of apprentices are still taken on each year.

You can increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship by:

• having some mechanical engineering or labouring experience
• showing an interest and approaching employers directly.   

Demand good for experienced metal casting workers

However, demand for experienced metal casting workers is good. This is because:

• many metal casting workers are nearing retirement, and experienced metal casting workers are needed to replace them
• many employers can't afford to train new staff - so when vacancies arise, they're likely to look for staff who require the least training
• the construction sector boom, especially in Auckland and Christchurch, may stimulate demand for experienced metal workers.

As a result, metal casting trades worker appears on Immigration New Zealand's regional skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled metal workers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 171 metal workers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Employers varied for metal workers

Employers of metal workers include:

• foundries
• specialist tool making and machining companies
• industrial machinery and equipment manufacturers
• domestic appliance manufacturers
• metal extrusion companies 
• metal forging companies 
• manufacturers of other metal products.

Competenz

0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

Metal workers may progress into supervisory or sales roles, or start their own foundries.

They usually specialise in an area such as:

Blacksmith

Blacksmiths shape metal by heating and hammering it. They produce or repair metal articles.

Electroplater

Electroplaters coat metal articles, and coat articles made of other materials with a film of metal.

Farrier

Farriers inspect, trim and shape the hooves of horses, as well as making and fitting horseshoes.

Metal Casting Worker

Metal casting workers produce original patterns and moulds that are used to make metal castings.

Metal Polisher

Metal polishers polish metals to give them smooth, reflective or other finishes.

Metal workers need to be:

• creative
• accurate and patient
• good at making calculations
• well organised
• safety-conscious, and able to follow instructions
• able to work well independently and as part of a team.