Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters
(NOC 7235)
in All Trades and TransportationStructural metal and platework fabricators and fitters fabricate, 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 are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants and by heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
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 small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor 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 57% 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
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$27,473
Minimum$48,213
Median$80,434
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters fabricate, 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 are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants and by heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies.
Job duties
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters perform some or all of the following duties:
- Study engineering drawings and blueprints, 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 such as 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 fabricated 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 aptitude. 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
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of 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
Northern
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Public Administration
Manufactured Mineral Products
Wholesale Trade
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
65+
25-34
35-44
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$76,586 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$58,965 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ALess than high school
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Marine maintenance/fitter and ship repair technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines; test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems; repair metal, wood, and fibreglass hulls and vessel components; fabricate and maintain sails; and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.
Institutions providing this program
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Metal building assembly/assembler
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to construct industrial, storage, and commercial metal structures using prefabricated framing and siding components. These programs 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
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Sheet metal technology/sheetworking
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Welding technology/welder
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. These programs 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
74 Townsend Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5C8
(902) 562-8549
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
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, however, a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.