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Heat Treaters

Employment Prospects

Employers

Approximately 15,200 heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders are employed in the metal and plastics industries. Some heat treaters work in commercial heat-treating plants, where objects are heat-treated on contract for other firms. Others work in the heat-treating department of a company that manufactures metal objects, such as engines or machinery. Metal manufacturing is concentrated in the Great Lakes states, and in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Starting Out

If you are interested in becoming a heat treater, you can learn about openings by contacting local commercial heat treaters and manufacturers of metal objects, such as engines, automobiles, and farm machinery. These manufacturers often have their own heat-treating plants that operate as part of their factory. Newspaper ads may also announce openings, and state employment agencies should have information about apprenticeships and how to apply for them.

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