5212 Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations

In short

• ONS unit group 5212, 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): £36,700 (£18.82 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £29,200 (£14.97 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations mark off, drill, shape, position, rivet and seal metal plates and girders to form structures and frameworks operate power hammers and presses to shape heated metal to requirements and to make and repair a variety of metal articles and make moulds and cores for casting metal and pour or inject molten metal into dies.

Typical entry routes

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

Tasks

• examines drawings and specifications to determine operational requirements
• marks out metal plate with guidelines and reference points and cuts metal plate using hand or machine tools
• uses machine tools to bend, curve, punch, drill and straighten metal plate as required
• uses hydraulic jacks to position and align metal platework or frame for welding and bolting and rivets together metal plate and girders
• creates mould units out of sand, loam or plaster by hand or machine and fits cores into mould to form hollow parts in casting
• seals seams with caulking compound, smooths welds, fixes metal doors, metal collars, portholes, tank and hatch covers and performs other metal plate finishing tasks using a variety of hand and power tools
• heats metal for forging and positions heated metal on anvil or other work surface
• operates press or hammer and repositions workpiece between strokes
• uses forging tools to shape and cut metal and bends or shapes metal by hand forging methods using hammers, punches, drifts and other hand tools
• tempers and hardens forged pieces, as required, by quenching in oil or water
• fits and secures horses shoes
• scoops molten metal from furnace into die or die casting machine

Related job titles

• Boiler maker
• Core Maker (metal trades)
• Die Caster
• Chain repairer
• Farrier
• Moulder and coremaker
• Pewtersmith
• Pipe Maker (foundry)
• Steel presser

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

5212 Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Die casters
• Farriers
• Moulders, mould makers and core makers
• Smiths
• Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£36,700 (£18.82 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

5212 Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5211, 5212, 5214

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Die casters
• Farriers
• Moulders, mould makers and core makers
• Smiths
• Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£29,200 (£14.97 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

• 5211 Sheet metal workers
• 5213 Welding trades
• 5214 Pipe fitters

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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