Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters
(NOC 7235)
in All Trades and TransportationMetal fabricators (fitters) make and repair metal parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels, and other structures and products. 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
Outlook: undetermined - an outlook was not determined for this occupation due to too few workers in Nova Scotia.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: small with infrequent job opportunities.
Demand: Employment is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Work hours: full-time, usually.
Hourly Pay
$18.50
Minimum$28.71
Median$36.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$27,473
Minimum$48,213
Median$80,434
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Metal fabricators (fitters) make and repair metal parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels, and other structures and products. 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
- Ability to visualize in three dimensions
- Good coordination
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Mathematical ability
- Strength and stamina
- Organizational skills
- Ability to work in close quarters
- Workers should enjoy doing tasks that are physically demanding
- Those interested in the structural metal fabricating trade should not have a fear of heights and should be able to move quickly.
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 5,400-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
- Certification for metal fabricators (fitters) is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for metal fabricator (fitter).
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Trade certification for marine fitters is currently inactive in Nova Scotia.
Other considerations
- Metal fabricators (fitters) usually work indoors in fabricating shops or factories. Some may also work outdoors fitting and fastening sub-assemblies.
- They work a 40-hour workweek. Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
- There is a risk of injury when working in close quarters, at heights, with heavy materials, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Experienced metal fabricators (fitters) may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may advance to positions such as lead hand, supervisor, quality assurance/quality control inspector, or contract manager, or set up their own shops.
- Some metal fabricators (fitters) may also be certified as skilled welders.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
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
$51,079 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$46,623 median annual incomeSouthern
$41,523 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Public administration
Wholesale trade
Construction
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$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
Trade Certification
$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
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
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
Various, NS
Metal Fabrication - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
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
Various, NS
Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
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
Various, NS
Welding Technology/Welder - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
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
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Trade Inactive: This trade is currently inactive in Nova Scotia.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.