Metal workers are the driving force of Europe's economy as they supply the necessary materials for multiple industries, particularly for the construction, mining, energy, automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace sectors.
As the continent prepares to meet the growing demand for quality steel and other metals, it is estimated that 3.5 million metal work job openings will need to be filled by 2035.
Since there's a shortage of skilled metalworkers in the EU, it’s expected that companies will be seeking international talent to fill this gap. If you're planning to pursue a career as a metal worker, it may be a good idea to gather the required paperwork as early as possible, and acquire the right skills to secure an in-demand job. For stability, career growth, and better pay, here are the essential skills you need to have to qualify as a metal worker in Europe.
Technical Skills
Several European countries have a high demand for skilled metalworkers, so whether you're planning to work with a German automotive company, a Netherlands-based oil and gas company, or an Austrian construction business, you need to have technical skills to meet immigration requirements. Also, according to TMS Titanium, a company that supplies titanium products to aerospace and biomedical companies, having strong technical skills prove that you can handle precise work, such as precision grinding which ensures accuracy when creating vital metal parts like aerospace joints. Having the right skills also allows you to handle hazardous work, and it gives you the ability to prevent accidents such as metal fires or explosions.
To learn metalworking techniques like cutting, shaping, bending, welding, and joining, you'll need to enroll in vocational courses at a community college to master the basics and for hands-on safety. As an alternative, consider joining a local makerspace to have access to tools and materials. To gain more confidence in your skills, think about getting an apprenticeship to get guidance from an expert so they can teach you valuable techniques that they learned from their years of work experience.
Some EU companies will require certifications or proof of formal training in metal working, so pursue certifications whenever possible. Being certified enhances your credibility and job prospects and it raises your salary potential. It also demonstrates your commitment to growth since certifications can help you advance into more challenging or senior roles.
Material Science and Mathematics
Working with metals means that you'll need to know how to calibrate equipment and calculate angles and dimensions to ensure safe structures and builds and prevent costly mistakes on wasted materials. This is why you'll need strong math skills right from the get go as they'll be highly useful in various aspects of your job. For instance, being proficient in maths will come in handy when you're reading blue prints since you'll be using fractions and geometry to understand project specifications. You'll also need it to determine the right amount of material to use to prevent waste. What's more, you can apply your math skills while calibrating metal working equipment for optimum performance and efficiency.
Apart from maths, you'll need to have solid skills in material science since this is crucial for quality, safe, and reliable workmanship. You'll want to be familiar with the strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the metals you're working with, as well as their corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity properties so you can select the best material for a specific project. Having thorough knowledge of metals also lets you know about the best cutting or welding techniques to use since different metals require specific techniques. This can help you avoid issues like warping or cracking which can help people to stay safe, whether you're working as a structural or industrial welder in Sweden or as an ironworker in France.
Physical Skills
Metalworking can be physically demanding, and oftentimes you'll be required to lift heavy objects or work in cramped conditions in extreme temperatures. This is why you'll need to be strong and fit to keep up with the rigours of the job. Being young and fresh out of college can be an advantage, but even older workers can thrive as long as you have the ability to lift, pull, push, or carry heavy metals, and you can maintain balance for extended periods of time.
You'll also need to demonstrate fine motor control and good hand-eye coordination since this is essential for making precise measurements, cuts, and alignments. Being agile and able to move quickly is an additional advantage since maintaining an efficient pace is a must to meet deadlines and production schedules. In addition to all these, you'll need to have good eyesight, with excellent depth perception and colour distinction.
Having the right skills can help you secure an in-demand metal working job in the EU. These skills will surely open doors for many roles, and allow you to have stability and growth in a competitive international job market.
