5212 — Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations
Medium Skilled
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.
Related job titles
What this occupation covers
Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations mark off, drill, shape, position, rivet and seal metal plates and girders to form structures and frameworks operate power hammers and presses to shape heated metal to requirements and to make and repair a variety of metal articles and make moulds and cores for casting metal and pour or inject molten metal into dies.
Typical duties
examines drawings and specifications to determine operational requirements
marks out metal plate with guidelines and reference points and cuts metal plate using hand or machine tools
uses machine tools to bend, curve, punch, drill and straighten metal plate as required
uses hydraulic jacks to position and align metal platework or frame for welding and bolting and rivets together metal plate and girders
creates mould units out of sand, loam or plaster by hand or machine and fits cores into mould to form hollow parts in casting
seals seams with caulking compound, smooths welds, fixes metal doors, metal collars, portholes, tank and hatch covers and performs other metal plate finishing tasks using a variety of hand and power tools
heats metal for forging and positions heated metal on anvil or other work surface
operates press or hammer and repositions workpiece between strokes
uses forging tools to shape and cut metal and bends or shapes metal by hand forging methods using hammers, punches, drifts and other hand tools
tempers and hardens forged pieces, as required, by quenching in oil or water
fits and secures horses shoes
scoops molten metal from furnace into die or die casting machine
Entry routes and qualifications
Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually via apprenticeship including practical experience and technical training. NVQs at levels 2 and 3 are available.
Sponsorship information
Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.
DBS assessment
No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.
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