94105 – Metalworking and forging machine operators

Lead statement

Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products.

Main duties

• Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
• Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, roll, ream, punch and drill, weld or otherwise shape and form metal stock into parts or products
• Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
• Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
• Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
• May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
• May document work completed
• May build staging or erect scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs
• May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.
• Operate gas or oil fired furnaces to heat metal to proper temperature prior to forging
• Place metal pieces in furnace using hand tongs or overhead cranes and remove from furnace when colour of metal indicates proper forging temperature, or load and unload furnace with automatic conveyor
• Position heated or cold metal pieces, on die of press or other forging machinery
• Operate presses or other forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, twisting, forming, drawing, upsetting, splitting, cutting, punching, piercing, bending, coining, or other operations to shape or form metal
• Position and adjust dies on anvil of forging machinery using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices and hand tools.

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school education may be required.
• Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
• On-the-job training is usually provided.

Example job titles

bending machine tender - metal products manufacturing · mechanical press operator - metal products manufacturing · power press operator - metal products manufacturing · sheet-metal-working machine operator - metal products manufacturing · metalworking machine operator · metal fabricating machine operator · power press operator · power press operator - metal fabrication · vertical press operator · metal sawing machine operator · flame hardening machine setter · forging machine setter · forging machine set-up man/woman · forging press operator · heavy forger · drop hammer forger

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.