Metal is a key material in the construction industry and many structures are reliant on it, such as building frameworks, shipbuilding and cranes.

Professionals who construct metal structures need detailed knowledge of the properties and capabilities of metal, steel in particular.

They maintain and repair these structures as well as erecting and assembling them.

Metal has always been a popular industrial and commercial building material, but it is now increasingly used in domestic buildings as well.

This is due to the relative creative freedom of the material, the flexibility of use, the speed with which it can be erected and also the fact that most components can be recycled.

Fast Facts

With an annual turnover of £38 billion, the metal sector contributes £15 billion of extra value to the UK economy – equivalent to 10% of all UK manufacturing.
Source: semta.org.uk

The metals sector directly employs around 450,000 people in more than 30,000 companies across the UK.
Source: semta.org.uk

Featured Competitor

Shane Ashton

Nation: Australia
Competition: 2009
Skill: Construction Metal Works

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career?

Definitely, a trade is always something you can fall back on and having that certificate indicates to prospective employers that you have what it takes to see a project through.

Results

Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal