Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters

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.

Regulations

Contacts