Metal Work Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

Discover metal work resume examples that showcase skills like welding, fabrication, and machinery operation. Learn how to demonstrate your expertise in creating strong, precise metal structures that meet project needs.

By Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert Last Updated: August 17, 2025

More Metal Work Resume Examples

Check out our metal work resume examples to understand how to showcase your fabrication skills, welding experience, and attention to detail. These samples will help you create a resume that stands out to employers in the metal industry.

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Metal Work Resume Template (Text Version)

Emily Lee

Portland, OR 97211
(555)555-5555
Emily.Lee@example.com

Professional Summary

Dynamic Metal Worker with 8 years in precision metalwork and fabrication, recognized for reducing production costs by 30% and leading teams to enhance efficiency. Proficient in CNC Machining and technical blueprint interpretation.

Skills

  • Precision Metalwork
  • CNC Machining
  • Blueprint Interpretation
  • Welding Techniques
  • Metal Fabrication
  • Quality Assurance
  • Team Leadership
  • Process Optimization

Certifications

  • Certified Welder – American Welding Society
  • Manufacturing Excellence – National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Education

Master of Engineering Materials Science
University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 2015

Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania
June 2013

Work History

Metal Worker
SteelCraft Industries – Portland, OR
June 2021 – July 2025

  • Increased production by 15% annually
  • Reduced waste by 10%, enhancing efficiency
  • Led a team of 8 to complete large projects

Fabrication Specialist
Precision Metals Co. – Oakridge, OR
May 2018 – May 2021

  • Achieved a 20% decrease in production time
  • Managed inventory to reduce costs by 12%
  • Implemented a training program for new hires

Sheet Metal Technician
MetalWorks USA – Portland, OR
July 2015 – May 2018

  • Enhanced precision with modern equipment
  • Streamlined processes, improving output by 8%
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams

Languages

  • Spanish – Beginner (A1)
  • German – Beginner (A1)
  • French – Beginner (A1)

Advice for Writing Your Metal Work Resume

Dive into our tailored tips on how to write a resume for metal work positions and discover how to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for working with metals. Whether you’re shaping steel or creating intricate designs, let us guide you in showcasing what makes you an ideal fit for the industry.

Highlight relevant technical skills

Technical skills are central to metal work roles because they directly connect to everyday tasks like cutting, welding, fabricating, and shaping materials. On your resume, include a dedicated skills section or highlight these abilities within your work experience bullet points. This not only makes your expertise easy to spot but also shows employers how your skills apply in real-world settings.

In metal work, employers often look for technical skills such as operating lathes, grinders, press brakes, and CNC equipment. Proficiency in welding techniques—including MIG, TIG, and arc welding—is also highly valued. Accuracy is critical, so experience with precision measuring tools like calipers and micrometers is important.

Additional skills such as blueprint reading, interpreting design specifications, and understanding the properties of different metals can further set you apart.

When listing technical skills, tailor them to the job posting. If you’ve used specialized tools or processes—such as plasma cutters, heat treatments, or advanced CNC programming—be sure to include them in your resume. Highlighting both your foundational skills and advanced expertise gives employers a clear picture of your capabilities and readiness to succeed in metal work.

Example of a technical skills section

  • Welding (MIG, TIG, stick)
  • Sheet metal fabrication
  • Metal cutting & machining
  • CNC programming & operation
  • Blueprint reading & interpretation
  • Metallurgy basics
  • 3D CAD modeling (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
  • Quality control & inspection tools
  • Metal finishing techniques
  • Safety standards in metal work

Quantify your accomplishments

Quantifying accomplishments in a resume makes it stand out because it shows what you achieved, not just what you did. For someone in metal work, it’s important to turn duties into achievements by sharing measurable outcomes, like how much production speed improved or how costs were cut.

Instead of saying “responsible for welding,” say “increased welding efficiency by 30%.” This creates a clear picture of your impact and skills, making it easier for hiring managers to see your value.

In the work experience section, each entry should include job title, employer name, location, and employment dates. Use action verbs to describe your role and focus on results. For example, if you worked as a welder at ABC Metalworks in Chicago from June 2020 to August 2023, highlight achievements like reducing material waste or boosting productivity.

Quantified accomplishments give your resume energy and show that you bring real benefits to the company. By focusing on these achievements, hiring managers can quickly assess how you’ve contributed in past roles. They see the concrete ways you’ve helped improve processes or save money—details that make them eager to learn more about you.

A results-driven resume sets you apart by clearly demonstrating your ability to deliver tangible improvements in metal work.

5 metal work professional experience bullet points

  • Fabricated and assembled metal structures and components, increasing production efficiency by 25%
  • Performed welding, cutting, and shaping of metal parts, contributing to a 30% improvement in product quality
  • Maintained and repaired machinery used in metalworking processes, reducing equipment downtime by 20%
  • Collaborated with design engineers to develop custom metal solutions, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction
  • Conducted quality inspections on finished products, ensuring compliance with industry standards and reducing rework by 10%

Write a powerful professional summary

A professional summary on a resume serves as an introduction for hiring managers, providing a snapshot of your skills and accomplishments. You can decide whether to use a summary or a resume objective based on your experience level and career goals. 

A professional summary is usually three to four sentences that highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for people who already have work experience. This helps show what you’ve done in the past and the value you can bring to a new role.

In contrast, a resume objective focuses on your career goals. It’s more suitable for entry-level applicants, career changers, or those with gaps in employment. Think of it as “what I’ve accomplished” versus “what I aim to contribute.” So if you’re just starting in metal work, an objective might be better.

Next, we’ll look at examples of both summaries and objectives for different roles and experience levels across industries like metal work.

Metal work resume summary examples

Entry-level
Recent graduate with a diploma in metal fabrication and welding technology. Completed internships focusing on sheet metal work and structural steel assembly. Certified in MIG and TIG welding, with foundational skills in blueprint reading and fabrication techniques. Eager to contribute to metalwork projects with precision and commitment.

Mid-career
Skilled metalworker with over seven years of experience in custom metal fabrication and industrial manufacturing. Proficient in CNC machining, laser cutting, and quality control processes. Recognized for improving production efficiency by streamlining workflow processes. Committed to delivering high-quality craftsmanship while adhering to safety regulations.

Experienced
Veteran metalwork professional with 15+ years of expertise in leading teams through complex fabrication projects across the aerospace and automotive industries. Specialized in advanced welding techniques, including robotic welding applications and inspection procedures. Proven track record of driving project success through innovative problem-solving and leadership abilities.

Metal work resume objective examples

Entry-level
Aspiring metal worker with a recent certificate in welding and fabrication seeking an entry-level position to apply hands-on skills and technical knowledge in a collaborative manufacturing environment. Eager to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to high-quality metal production.

Career changer
Detail-oriented professional transitioning into metal work, offering a solid background in mechanical engineering principles and project management. Ready to bring problem-solving skills and a fresh perspective to a dynamic metal fabrication team while acquiring new techniques and industry knowledge.

Recent graduate
Recent graduate in metallurgy looking for an opportunity as a junior metal worker to use academic training in materials science and metallurgical processes. Committed to developing expertise in metal processing techniques and supporting the creation of durable, innovative products.

Showcase your credentials

In metal work, listing your certifications, licenses, and specialized training is important. These credentials show employers you have the right skills and knowledge for the job. They can help you stand out in technical fields where safety and accuracy are key.

Creating a certifications section on your resume lets you highlight these qualifications clearly. This section works well alongside your education details to give a full picture of what you bring to the table.

  • American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder
  • National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Machining Level I
  • Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) Precision Sheet Metal Operator Certification
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Lean Bronze Certification

Having these certifications can boost your chances of success in metal work. They show that you meet industry standards and are committed to keeping up with best practices. Including them on your resume makes it easier for employers to see how you’re prepared for the role.

Example of a certifications section

Certified Welder
Issued by: American Welding Society (AWS)
Issued 2022

Metal Fabrication Technician Certification
Issued by: Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
Expires 2025

Sheet Metal Worker Certification
Issued by: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA)
Issued 2021

CNC Machining Certification
Issued by: National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
Expires 2023

Advanced Welding Techniques Certificate
Issued by: Technical Education Center of Metalwork
Issued 2020

FAQ

Do I need to include a cover letter with my metal work resume?

Yes, including a cover letter with your metal work resume can improve your application and increase your chances of getting hired. It gives you the opportunity to highlight your specific skills and experience in metal work, like welding techniques or familiarity with certain materials, which might not be detailed in your resume.

You can use our Cover Letter Generator to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company, showing why you’re a great fit beyond just technical abilities.

Mention any specialized projects you’ve worked on that relate directly to what the employer is seeking, such as custom fabrication or precision machining.

Consider using cover letter examples from online resources that offer guidance tailored to skilled trades, ensuring your cover letter complements your resume effectively.

How long should a metal work resume be?

For a metalwork position, a one-page resume usually works best, especially if you’re early in your career or applying for hands-on roles. Focus on showcasing key skills like welding techniques, fabrication skills, and experience with specific metals or tools.

If you have extensive experience or specialized training, extending to a two-page resume is acceptable, but keep it relevant. Highlight significant projects or certifications that set you apart.

Remember to tailor your resume to the job description, ensuring every detail supports your candidacy. For more tips on determining the ideal length for your stage in your career, check out resources on how long a resume should be.

How do you write a metal work resume with no experience?

If you’re new to metal work and lack direct experience, you can still craft a compelling resume by emphasizing your skills, education, and any related experiences that showcase your potential. Here are a few tips on writing a resume with no experience:

  • Emphasize relevant coursework: List any technical classes or workshops you’ve attended that relate to metal work. Include the name of the institution, course titles, and dates.
  • Showcase transferable skills: Highlight skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and mechanical aptitude. If you’ve worked with tools or machinery in other contexts, mention those experiences.
  • Include hands-on practice: If you’ve done personal projects or helped someone with metal-related tasks like welding or fabrication, describe these activities briefly to demonstrate practical experience.
  • Highlight certifications: Mention any safety training or certifications you have completed, like OSHA safety courses or first aid/CPR certifications.
  • Use a strong summary statement: Start your resume with a brief summary that highlights your enthusiasm for metal work and willingness to learn and grow in the industry.

Consider reaching out to local workshops for volunteer opportunities; gaining even informal experience can provide valuable insights and content for your resume.

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