Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
Metal Fabricators build, assemble and repair products made of steel or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. They must be familiar with the properties of metal and know how to operate specialized metalworking machines. Metal Fabricators can work for sheet metal fabrication and welding shops, and for manufacturers of structural steel, boilers, plate workers, heavy machinery and transportation equipment. They can work for shipbuilding companies and for welding, ironwork and sheet metal work contractors. Metal fabrication is a good foundational skill to have in many rapidly evolving industries, such as aviation. The work of a Metal Fabricator is often intricate and highly precise.
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.
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Recommendations
The following education is recommended: Grade 10 equivalent (Grade 12 preferred), including English 10, Math 10, Science 10.
The Apprenticeship Program comprises Levels 1-to-3 of progressive technical training, with each Level taking 6-7 weeks (180-210 hours) to complete. In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 4,800 hours of work-based training.
A Foundation Program can jump-start your career without employer sponsorship by supplying the knowledge and skills to enter directly at Level 2, after 23 weeks of training (refer to SkilledTradesBC for alternative paths into the occupation).