What Does A Fitter Do?

A Fitter (Structural Steel/ Platework) lays out, prepares and assembles structural steel and steel vessels, according to structural steel plans and drawings.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • setting up and operating trade machinery such as band saws, radial drill presses, milling machines, power shears, benders, manual and automatic oxy-fuel cutting , flux cored arc welding, metal inert gas and air carbon arc gouging equipment
  • reading and interpreting structural steel drawings and diagrams
  • performing calculations and applying shop formulas and other mathematical methods to develop patterns and lay out structural steel
  • planning the sequence of tasks and deciding how to cut the steel most efficiently
  • fabricating and assembling structural steel details by drilling, punching holes, grinding, cutting, tack welding, fastening, bolting, or bending and shaping structural steel into the desired pattern
  • performing job duties with care and precision

To view the Essential Skills necessary to work in this occupation, click on the following link for Fitter/ Fabricator NOC code 7263:

http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/CE/English/ShowProfile.aspx?v=214

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Fitter (Structural Steel/Plate work) you should complete your secondary school diploma, with credits in mathematics (particularly technical math) and some shop courses. The minimum entry requirement to an apprenticeship is Grade 12.The Fitter Structural Steel/Plate work apprenticeship is 5400 hours, including on the job and in-school training.

What’s Your Future as a Fitter (Structural Steel/ Platework)?

Most workers in this occupation work full-time, sometimes in shift work, usually indoors. Some workers are self-employed. Examples of companies that employ Fitters (Structural Steel/Plate work) include:

  • structural steel fabricators
  • structural steel and plate work manufacturers
  • construction industries
  • heavy machinery contractors
  • aircraft contractors
  • ship building contractors
  • welding shops

Wage Rate

  • as an Apprentice you would start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson
  • this rate increases gradually as you gain competency  
  • the wage range for fully qualified Fitters is between $15.00/hr to $25.00/hr, often with benefits and opportunities for overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Fitter (Structural Steel/ Platework) For You?

Are you good at planning how to accomplish a task from start to finish?

Yes     No

Can you look at a diagram or shop drawing and visualize how things come together?

Yes     No

Do you like figuring out what’s wrong with something and then fixing it?

Yes     No

Are you able to bend, stretch, kneel, stand for long periods and lift material and supplies?

Yes     No

Are you good with numbers and accurate at it?

Yes     No

Do you enjoy working independently or in a group to get a job done to deadline?

Yes     No

 

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, Fitter (Structural Steel/ Platework) may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Millwright
  • Sheet metal worker
  • Welder
  • Machinist
  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Boilermaker

Registered Users





Register Now!

Start Searching! Go!