Metal Fabricator 

(Fitter)

Metal Fabricators are precise, mathematical and hands-on builders who design, create and put together the intricate metal pieces that make up the many products we use every day—from machines to ships.

As a Metal Fabricator, you’ll build, assemble and repair products made of steel or other metals for use in manufacturing and construction industries.  

You’ll draw from your natural skills as a builder, working with your hands to create anything from a container ship to a swivilling chair. You deal with intricate pieces of metal that come together to create something that works as it was intended.

What You'll Learn

  • How to study engineering drawings and blueprints 
  • How to determine the type of metal required for the job 
  • How to construct patterns and templates as guides for layouts 
  • How to assemble and fit together metal using tack welding, bolting and riveting 
  • How to set up and operate heavy-duty and computer numerical control (CNC) metalworking machines 

Key Job Skills

  • Problem solving and math 
  • Drawing and specification interpretation 
  • Trade tools and equipment use 
  • Burning and welding 
  • Fabricating and metallurgy techniques 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 20 weeks over 3 years
Work-Based Training
4800 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

For more information on the Marine Fitter Endorsement please refer to the Marine Fitter - Endorsement Program page.

Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Metal Fabricators build, assemble and repair products made of steel or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. Their work is often intricate and highly precise, and they must be familiar with the properties of metal and know how to operate specialized metalworking machines. They can work for sheet metal fabrication and welding shops and for manufacturers of structural steel, boilers, heavy machinery and transportation equipment. They can also 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. 

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Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Information:

Updates:

  • March 2024: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2012 NOA and 2021 RSOS can be found here.

Information:

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.