Metal Fabricators (Fitters) make and repair parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels, and other structures. They lay out, cut, and fabricate structural steel, plate, and different ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Setting up and operating trade machinery including brake presses, shears, plasma cutters, oxy-fuel cutting torches, grinders, and drills to bend, punch, cut, and form metal components
- Reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, and schematics
- 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
- Assembling/fitting metal sections and plates together to form units used in assembly process
- Fastening components together using tack welding, bolting, and riveting
- Safely moving assemblies using material handling, rigging, hoisting, and lifting equipment
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 the legal minimum; employers usually require secondary school diploma
- Credits in technical math and shop assets
- Completion of a 4,680-hour on-the-job apprenticeship and 5,400 hours of in-school training
- Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Metal Fabricator (Fitter) (437A)?
- Full-time, sometimes in shifts; generally indoors in fabricating shops or factories
- Welding certificate increases employability; important to keep up with new technologies
- Employers include welding companies; manufacturers of structural steel, boilers, heavy machinery, and transportation equipment; mining and oil/gas companies
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $27.00-$40.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) (437A)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Can you look at a diagram or shop drawing and visualize in 3 dimensions how things should come together? | ||
| Are you detail-oriented and enjoy working with your hands? | ||
| Can you lift 50lbs comfortably? Are you able to travel for work? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Do you have a mechanical aptitude for fixing things and good manual dexterity? | ||
| Are you good at performing mathematical calculations? | ||
| Do you have excellent time-management skills? Are you an organized person? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Metal Fabricator (Fitter) (437A) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Millwright
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Welder
- Machinist
- Tool and Die Maker
- Boilermaker
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