SOC 2020 unit group 5211

5211 Sheet metal workers

Unit group 5211 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.

ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: file dated 27 August 2026, version V13 · Appendix Skilled Occupations: figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked against the 8 October 2026 page on 26 October 2026 (unchanged)

In short

  • ONS unit group 5211, in minor group 521 (Metal forming, welding and related trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
  • Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
  • Going rate as the tables print it:
    • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
    • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £26,800 (£13.74 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Sheet metal workers mark out, cut, shape and join sheet metal using hand or machine tools to make and repair sheet metal products and components (excluding vehicle bodywork).

Typical entry routes

Entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually via apprenticeship including practical experience and technical training and relevant NVQs at level 2 and 3 are available.

Tasks

  • examines drawings and specifications to assess job requirements
  • uses template, measuring instruments and tools to mark out layout lines and reference points
  • uses hand or machine tools to bend, roll, fold, press or beat cut sheet metal
  • assembles prepared parts and joins them by bolting, welding or soldering
  • finishes product by grinding, filing, cleaning and polishing
  • repairs damaged metal parts such as copper sheets and tubes by beating, riveting, soldering, welding and fitting replacement parts
  • checks final product to ensure conformity with specifications

Related job titles

  • Coppersmith
  • Metal fabricator
  • Panel beater (metal trades)
  • Sheet metal fabricator
  • Sheet metal worker

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code
5211 Sheet metal workers
Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)
  • Metal fabricators and finishers
  • Panel beaters (excludes vehicles)
  • Whitesmiths
  • Sheet metal workers not elsewhere classified
Going rate (SW – options A and D)
£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
90% of going rate (SW – option B)
Not applicable
80% of going rate (SW – option C)
Not applicable
70% of going rate (SW – option E)
£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
Eligible for PhD points (SW)?
No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code
5211 Sheet metal workers
Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)
5213
Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)
  • Metal fabricators and finishers
  • Panel beaters (excludes vehicles)
  • Whitesmiths
  • Sheet metal workers not elsewhere classified
Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)
£26,800 (£13.74 per hour)
90% of going rate (SW – option G)
Not applicable
80% of going rate (SW – option H)
Not applicable
70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)
£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)
Eligible for PhD points (SW)?
No

Other unit groups in minor group 521

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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