Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters
(NOC 7235)
in All Trades and TransportationStructural metal and platework fabricators and fitters build, assemble, fit, and install steel or other metal components for buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other similar structures and products. Metal fabricators make and repair metal parts used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and boilers. Marine service technicians are involved in the service and repair of marine vessels including structural, cosmetic, electrical, and mechanical work. They work for structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants and for heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 56% of Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $69,223. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.53
Minimum$28.00
Median$34.84
MaximumAnnual Pay
$27,473
Minimum$48,213
Median$80,434
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters build, assemble, fit, and install steel or other metal components for buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other similar structures and products. Metal fabricators make and repair metal parts used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and boilers. Marine service technicians are involved in the service and repair of marine vessels including structural, cosmetic, electrical, and mechanical work. They work for structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants and for heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies.
Job duties
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters:
- Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine the materials required and plan the sequence of tasks to cut metal most efficiently.
- Construct patterns and templates as guides for layouts.
- Lay out reference points and patterns on heavy metal according to component specifications.
- Rig, hoist and move materials to storage areas or within worksite.
- Assemble and fit metal sections and plates to form complete units or subunits using tack welding, bolting, riveting or other methods.
- Set up and operate various heavy-duty metal-working machines like brake presses, shears, cutting torches, grinders and drills, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill or otherwise form heavy-metal components.
- Install components in final product.
Sample job titles
- marine fitter
- metal fabricator (fitter)
- metal shipwright
- plater-welder
- platework fabricator and fitter
- shipfitter
- steel fabricator
- structural metal fitter-assembler
- structural metal worker
Skills
This work requires a good mechanical skills. You must be resourceful and able to make decisions. Good form perception, physical strength, coordination, and agility are important. Those interested in the structural metal fabricating trade should not have any fear of heights and should be able to move quickly.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in structural steel and platework fabrication is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for metal fabricator (fitter) is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Trade certification for marine fitters is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified metal fabricators (fitters) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Some structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters may also be certified as skilled welders. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Public administration
Construction
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
25-34
35-44
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Apprenticeship
$68,692 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$50,635 median annual incomeHigh school
$37,985 median annual incomeLess than high school
$37,632 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Apprenticeship
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines, test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems, repair hulls and vessel components, make and maintain sails, and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Metal Building Assembly
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to construct industrial, storage, and commercial metal structures using prefabricated framing and siding components. They include courses in sheet metal working, ironworking, assembly and fastening techniques, blueprint reading, site preparation, structural design principles, safety, and applicable codes and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to form, shape, bend and fold extruded metals, including the creation of new products, using hand tools and machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears.
Institutions providing this program
Welding Technology/Welder
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. They include courses in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Trade Inactive: This trade is currently inactive in Nova Scotia.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.