2A751 Career Guide
2A751: Metals Technology Journeyman
Career transition guide for Air Force Metals Technology Journeyman (2A751)
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Top civilian roles for 2A751 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Machinist
Skills to develop:
Welder
Skills to develop:
Aerospace Technician
Skills to develop:
CAD/CAM Programmer
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A751 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As a 2A751, you're essentially a master craftsman, understanding how individual components interact within complex aerospace systems. You design, fabricate, and modify parts, always considering the overall function and integration within the larger system.
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly into analyzing and optimizing business processes. You can identify bottlenecks, predict outcomes, and design improvements for efficiency.
Resource Optimization
Your role demands you maximize the use of materials, tools, and time while creating precision components. You must extract the most value from available resources, including minimizing waste and maximizing equipment lifespan.
This is highly valuable in any business setting. You are adept at identifying and implementing strategies to reduce costs, improve productivity, and manage resources efficiently, a talent that can make a tangible impact on a company's bottom line.
Procedural Compliance
Your work adheres to strict technical specifications, safety protocols, and environmental standards. You understand the importance of following established procedures meticulously to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
This ingrained understanding of procedural compliance is critical in regulated industries. You bring a natural adherence to standards, ensuring processes are followed correctly and mitigating risks, a highly desirable trait in sectors like healthcare, finance, or manufacturing.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Whether it's working with limited resources, fixing broken machinery, or improvising solutions to unexpected problems, you are skilled at maintaining operations and delivering results even under challenging circumstances.
In civilian terms, this means you're a resilient problem-solver who thrives under pressure. You are adept at finding creative solutions when things don't go according to plan, and maintaining productivity even when faced with obstacles.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Facilities Engineer
SOC 17-2141.01You've been designing and maintaining mission-critical aerospace components; your ability to understand complex systems and precision manufacturing translates directly to ensuring the optimal operation of building systems and equipment. You can manage repairs, upgrades, and preventative maintenance with a focus on efficiency and safety, just like you did with aircraft parts.
Quality Assurance Analyst
SOC 19-4041.00You've been trained to ensure the highest levels of precision and quality control in aerospace manufacturing. This translates into an eagle eye for detail and a dedication to upholding standards. As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you can develop and implement quality control procedures, identify defects, and ensure products meet stringent specifications, a crucial role in any manufacturing or service industry.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You've been working with complex machinery and advanced materials on aircraft. The maintenance and repair of wind turbines require similar skills, including diagnostics, troubleshooting, and hands-on mechanical work. Your experience with precision tools and safety protocols make you a perfect fit for this growing field focused on renewable energy.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Metals Technology Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Advanced Welding Techniques (TIG, MIG, Arc)
- •CNC Programming and Operation
- •Precision Measurement and Inspection
- •CAD/CAM Software Applications
- •Heat Treating and Metallurgy
- •Tool and Die Design
- •Reverse Engineering and Component Fabrication
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of specific welding codes (AWS, ASME, API), more in-depth knowledge of non-destructive testing methods, and potentially hands-on experience with inspections.
Requires focused study on SolidWorks-specific tools, features, and best practices. The exam also tests the ability to efficiently solve modeling problems within a time limit.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machines | CNC Milling Machines, CNC Lathes |
| Computer Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) Software | AutoDesk AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 |
| Precision Measuring Devices (e.g., micrometers, calipers) | Industrial Metrology Equipment |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) equipment | TIG Welding equipment |
| Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) equipment | MIG Welding equipment |
| Heat Treating Furnaces | Industrial Furnaces, Kilns |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., welding helmets, safety glasses) | Commercial-grade PPE |
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