8115 — Metal making and treating process operatives

What this occupation covers

Metal making and treating process operatives operate furnaces, ovens and other heating vessels, drawing, rolling, extruding, galvanising, forging and other metal processing equipment to smelt, shape, coat and treat metal and metal products.

Typical duties

charges furnace, operates controls to regulate furnace temperature, and adds oxidising, alloying and fluxing agents as required

withdraws samples of molten metal for analysis, taps slag from surface of molten metal and directs flow of molten metal into casts

sets rolling speed, tension and space between rolls, guides the metal to and from rollers, and monitors the rolling process to detect irregularities, and ensure that the gauge and finish match required specifications

operates equipment to remove dirt, scale and other surface impurities by immersion in chemical solution

heats metal or metal articles in furnace, allows to cool for a specified time or quenches in brine, oil or water to harden, reduces brittleness and restores ductility

operates piercing, extruding, pressing and other metal processing equipment to shape and treat metal or metal articles

coats metal parts and articles electrolytically, forms metal articles by electro- and vacuum-deposition, dips and sprays articles with another metal, plastic powder or material and treats articles chemically to produce desired finishes

Entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. Vocational qualifications at level 2 and 3 in relevant areas, including metal and materials processing and finishing. are available.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled– extending in same occupation only. 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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