Overview
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. They are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants and by heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs 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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$47,969
$68,825
$93,852
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
299expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary 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 fabricators (fitters) is available, but voluntary, in all provinces.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Some structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters may also be certified as skilled welders.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
- Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a metal fabricator or fitter in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.