TS 12700

TS 12700 is a professional standard for the press operator working on sheet metal. It sets out the occupation’s definition, the way the role is classified, the minimum tools and equipment used in the trade, and the framework for measuring and evaluating the characteristics expected at different class levels. Its focus is on the technical and occupational profile of sheet-metal press work, rather than on press operations in general.

What this occupation standard centres on

As a professional standard, this document brings together how the occupation is named, how levels are distinguished, and which qualities are considered in assessment. In practical terms, press work is associated with forming sheet metal through operations such as cutting, bending, punching, shaping and related processes. The standard’s boundary is important: it is directed at sheet-metal applications, and press operating outside sheet metal materials is excluded from its scope.

General technical context for press work

In manufacturing, press operators work with machinery, tooling and workpieces that must be aligned accurately to achieve consistent results. The broader technical skill set commonly associated with this occupation includes understanding the press setup, handling the material correctly, observing dimensions and tolerances, and recognising the role of dies, fixtures and basic operating controls. Standards of this kind help define what “qualified performance” means within the profession, so that training and assessment can be organised around a common reference point.

• Focused on sheet metal press work; it does not cover press operations on non-sheet materials.
• Combines job definition and classification with measurement and evaluation of vocational characteristics.
• Includes the minimum tools and equipment used in the profession.
• Provides a basis for assessing expected attributes across different occupational levels.