Forge Shop Workers

Employers

Approximately 35,000 people are employed in the industry in the United States and Canada, according to the Forging Industry Association. Most forging plants are small businesses that generally have between 50 and 500 employees, with a few larger facilities with over 1,000 workers. Plants are primarily located in large Midwest cities, as well as in Los Angeles, Houston, and Pittsburgh.

Starting Out

If you wish to work in a forge shop, apply directly to the shop's personnel department. Most forge shop workers start out as helpers on hammer or press crews and learn by working with more experienced employees. As they become more skilled, they are given more responsibility and more complicated tasks.

Job leads and information about apprenticeships may be obtained by contacting local offices of the state employment service or local offices of labor unions that organize these workers.