Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina Career Overview
As a Metal Rolling Technician, you play a vital role in the manufacturing process, specifically in the metalworking sector. Your primary responsibilities revolve around the operation of rolling machines that shape metal materials into desired dimensions and forms. This process is fundamental for creating components used in various industries, from automotive to construction.
Key aspects of your career include:
- Machine Operation: You are responsible for setting up and operating rolling machines, ensuring that they function efficiently and produce high-quality products.
- Material Understanding: Knowledge of different types of metals and their properties is essential, as it influences how you approach the rolling process.
- Quality Control: You monitor the rolling process, checking for adherence to specified measurements and tolerances, ensuring that each product meets industry standards.
- Troubleshooting: When issues occur, your ability to diagnose problems and implement solutions is critical to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
- Collaboration: Working alongside engineers and other technicians, you contribute to the development and improvement of rolling techniques and machinery.
Your work as a Metal Rolling Technician is significant in ensuring that the metal components produced are both functional and reliable, impacting the overall integrity of the final products in various applications. By adhering to safety and operational protocols, you help maintain a productive and safe work environment.
Metal Rolling Technician Salary in South Carolina
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina
To pursue a career as a Metal Rolling Technician, you will need a solid educational foundation, which typically includes the following qualifications and training:
Associate's Degree: An associate's degree in Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology can provide you with essential knowledge of machinery, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques relevant to metal rolling operations.
Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in any of the following engineering or technology-related fields may be advantageous:
- Industrial Engineering: Focuses on optimizing complex processes and systems, which is beneficial for improving efficiency in metal rolling.
- Metallurgical Engineering: Offers insights into the properties of metals and how they behave during processing, crucial for working with different materials in rolling operations.
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology: Provides training on various manufacturing processes, including metal forming, and emphasizes practical applications.
- Materials Science: Explores the characteristics of different materials and their applications, which is essential for understanding how different metals respond during the rolling process.
Certifications: While a formal degree may be sufficient, additional certifications in related areas, such as welding or machinery operation, may enhance your qualifications and demonstrate specialized knowledge.
Hands-on training through internships, apprenticeships, or cooperative education programs is also valuable, allowing you to gain practical experience and familiarity with metal rolling equipment and techniques.
Best Schools to become a Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina 2024
John C Calhoun State Community College
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Texas A & M University-College Station
Gadsden State Community College
Clemson University
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.
Metal Rolling Technician Required Skills and Competencies in South Carolina
Technical Proficiency: You should possess a strong understanding of metal properties and how they behave during the rolling process. Familiarity with machinery operation and maintenance is essential.
Mechanical Skills: Proficient skills in operating rolling machines and related equipment are necessary. This includes the ability to troubleshoot and repair these machines when needed.
Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in metal rolling. You need to be detail-oriented to ensure that measurements and specifications are met, avoiding defects and ensuring high-quality output.
Mathematical Skills: Strong mathematical skills are necessary for performing calculations related to dimensions, weight, and material requirements.
Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to identify issues and find effective solutions is important. You may encounter unexpected challenges during the rolling process that require quick thinking.
Physical Stamina and Strength: The job involves operating heavy machinery and handling large metal pieces, requiring physical endurance and strength.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is important for collaborating with team members, understanding instructions, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Time Management: You should be able to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to meet project deadlines without compromising quality.
Safety Awareness: Understanding and adhering to safety regulations and practices in the workplace is critical to maintain a safe working environment.
Teamwork: Collaboration with coworkers in a production environment is essential. You should be able to work well in a team, contributing to a cooperative work atmosphere.
Job Duties for Metal Rolling Technicians
Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.
Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
Electronic mail software
- Email software
Internet browser software
- Web browser software
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Talking to others
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina
The job market for Metal Rolling Technicians in South Carolina exhibits a stable demand for skilled workers due to ongoing industrial activities and a growing manufacturing sector. As you explore potential opportunities in this field, consider the following aspects:
Current Demand: There is a consistent need for Metal Rolling Technicians across various manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. As these industries expand, the demand for technicians who can operate and maintain metal rolling equipment is expected to remain strong.
Growth Potential: The manufacturing sector in South Carolina, particularly in areas like machining and metal fabrication, shows promising growth. This is bolstered by investments in new technologies and processes, creating an environment where skilled Metal Rolling Technicians can thrive and advance their careers. As companies adopt more advanced manufacturing techniques, technicians who adapt to these changes stand to benefit.
Geographical Hotspots: Certain regions in South Carolina are recognized as manufacturing hubs with a higher concentration of job opportunities for Metal Rolling Technicians. Key areas to consider include:
- Greenville: Known for its automotive industry presence, Greenville has many companies that require Metal Rolling Technicians for both manufacturing and repair processes.
- Columbia: As the state capital, Columbia hosts several manufacturing companies and provides a diverse range of opportunities in metalworking.
- Spartanburg: This area is home to a variety of manufacturing facilities, particularly in textiles and machinery, enhancing the demand for skilled technicians.
- Charleston: With a growing port and significant logistical operations, Charleston attracts manufacturing that often requires specialty metalworking skills.
Workforce Development: South Carolina is actively enhancing workforce training programs in conjunction with local technical colleges and industry partnerships. These initiatives are aimed at equipping new entrants with the necessary skills, which further supports job availability and career advancements for existing technicians.
By focusing on these elements, you can better understand the landscape of employment opportunities available for Metal Rolling Technicians in South Carolina and identify the best paths for your career development.
Top Related Careers to Metal Rolling Technician 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina
American Society of Metals (ASM International)
An organization dedicated to advancing materials science and engineering. They offer publications, conferences, and resources related to metalworking and materials.
ASM InternationalFabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA)
A trade association that provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the metal fabrication industry. Useful for finding training programs and industry updates.
FMANational Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
A non-profit organization that provides industry standards and offers a certification program for metalworking skills, which can enhance your qualifications as a Metal Rolling Technician.
NIMSThe Fabricator Magazine
An online resource offering articles, news, and practical advice for professionals in the metal fabrication industry, including best practices in rolling techniques.
The FabricatorSouth Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW)
Offers information on job training programs, labor market data, and resources specific to skills development within the state.
SC DEWTechnical Colleges in South Carolina
Various institutions offer programs in metalworking, welding, and fabrication technologies. Check local technical colleges for specific courses that can aid in your career.
South Carolina Technical CollegesNational Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
A leading voice for manufacturing in the U.S., they provide resources on industry trends, events, and policy advocacy relevant to the manufacturing sector.
NAMAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
They offer training, certifications, and networking opportunities related to welding and metalworking, which are integral to the skills of a Metal Rolling Technician.
AWSYouTube – Metal Rolling Tutorials
Various channels provide practical video tutorials and demonstrations on metal rolling techniques. Search for reputable channels dedicated to metalworking and fabrication processes for visual learning.
YouTube
These resources will provide you with in-depth knowledge, training opportunities, and networking avenues to enhance your career as a Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Metal Rolling Technician in South Carolina
What does a Metal Rolling Technician do?
As a Metal Rolling Technician, your primary responsibility is to operate machinery that shapes metal sheets and plates into desired forms. You will set up, monitor, and adjust the rolling processes to ensure precision and quality in the final products.What skills are necessary to become a Metal Rolling Technician?
Essential skills include mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and proficiency in reading blueprints and technical drawings. Familiarity with different types of metal and their properties, as well as experience with troubleshooting machinery, are also beneficial.What kind of education or training is required for this role?
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with vocational training or an apprenticeship in metalworking. Some employers may also prefer candidates with an associate degree in manufacturing technology or a related field.Are there any certifications available for Metal Rolling Technicians?
While not always mandatory, obtaining certifications such as those offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) or the American Welding Society (AWS) can enhance your employability and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.What are the working conditions like for Metal Rolling Technicians?
You can expect to work in industrial environments, such as manufacturing plants or workshops. The job may require standing for long periods, working with heavy machinery, and adhering to safety protocols due to potential hazards such as moving parts and high temperatures.What is the job outlook for Metal Rolling Technicians in South Carolina?
The job outlook for Metal Rolling Technicians is generally favorable, with demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing sector. As industries continue to evolve and technology advances, the need for technicians who can operate and maintain sophisticated machinery will remain strong.What is the salary range for Metal Rolling Technicians in South Carolina?
Salary can vary based on experience, location, and specific employer. Generally, Metal Rolling Technicians in South Carolina can expect to earn between $35,000 to $60,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime and advancement available.Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
Yes, there are various pathways for advancement. With experience, you may move into supervisory roles, specialize in certain types of machinery, or transition to related fields such as quality control, production management, or equipment maintenance.What industries employ Metal Rolling Technicians?
You’ll find Metal Rolling Technicians employed in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and shipbuilding. These sectors utilize rolling techniques to produce components and products that require metal shaping.Is ongoing training important for Metal Rolling Technicians?
Yes, ongoing training is essential to stay updated on the latest technologies, techniques, and safety standards in the industry. Many employers provide opportunities for professional development to help you advance your skills throughout your career.