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  6. Sheet Metal Machine Set-Up Operator

Exploring Trades and Occupations

Sheet Metal Machine Set-Up Operator

On this page

  • Job description
  • Advancement and mobility
  • Training and requirements
  • Main skills and characteristics
  • Personality profiles (RIASEC)
  • Additional information

Job description

These individuals use machinery to process metal. They are employed in sheet metal and light metal product manufacturing plants, sheet metal shops, and other light metal products manufacturing companies.

Environment

  • Controlled ambient temperature
  • Equipment, machinery, tools
  • Noise
  • Falling objects

Main tasks

  • Read quotes or follow verbal instructions.
  • Prepare, set up, and operate metalworking machinery or equipment.
  • Operate machinery or equipment to cut, bend, or crease metal parts.
  • Inspect products for conformity to shape, size, or other standards.
  • Investigate the cause of problems and make minor repairs.
  • Clean and lubricate machinery and replace defective parts as needed.

Advancement and mobility

  • Experience leads to senior or supervisory positions.

Training and requirements

Formation

Most training programs are offered in French only.

Secondary

DVS in tôlerie de précision
Code : 5244
More on graduates’ employment situation

WAP

This occupation is targeted by a Workplace Apprenticeship Program

  • Sheet-metal-working machine set-up operator

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

  • Data collection
  • Critical thought
  • Reading comprehension
  • Coordination
  • Result evaluation
  • Oral expression
  • Time management
  • Judgment and decision-making
  • Mathematics
More Less skills

Abilities

  • Near vision
  • Limb coordination
  • Visualization
  • Information organization
  • Selective attention
  • Digital dexterity
  • Manual dexterity
  • Core strength
  • Control accuracy
  • Hand-arm stability
  • Classification
  • Static muscle power
  • Perception speed
  • Awareness of issues
  • Auditory attention
  • Written comprehension
  • Oral comprehension
  • Verbal skills
  • Depth perception
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Speech recognition
  • Physical flexibility in extension
  • Processing flexibility
  • Reaction time
  • Distance vision
More Less abilities

Knowledge and attributes

  • Focussed on results
  • Autonomy
  • Capacity to work in a team
  • Knowledge of production and treatment
  • Knowledge of mathematics
  • Respect standards and regulations
  • Assiduity and punctuality
  • Sense of observation
  • Timeliness
  • Knowledge of mechanics

Interests

  • Make, build, install
  • Work manually

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Realistic
People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
Conventional
People with this profile prefer specific, well-defined tasks. They like to respect the order of things and follow established rules.
Investigative
People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Additional information

Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)

Metalworking and forging machine operators  (CNP 94105)

Skill type

Manufacturing and utilities

Related occupations

  • Metalworking and forging machine operators
  • Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

See also

  • Glossary (PDF 229 Kb)
  • Québec emploi

Last update: January 29, 2026

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