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Metal Fabricator: Apprenticeship

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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  • Training Level
    Apprenticeship
  • Tuition Estimate
    See Apprenticeship Training fees website for more information
  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates
    Average Cost Range: $45 to $200; Contact: 604.456.8100 for details
  • Credential Granted
    • Apprenticeship
    • Metal Fabricator (Fitter)- Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement; Certificate of Apprenticeship
  • Coordinator Contact
    BCIT Apprentice Services: 604-456-8100 or 1-800-667-0676 (Canada & US only). Email apprentice@bcit.ca

Application Deadline Advice

Please refer to the Apprentice Admissions information on the BCIT website. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

This program is not available to international students.  View available programs.

Red Seal

This is a Red Seal trade. Learn more about trade mobility within Canada at Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

Training Schedule

Training schedule details provided by the BC Trades Training Consortium (TTC).

Contact BCIT for the next opening.

Related Foundation Programs

Not ready for an apprenticeship program? These Foundation (Pre-apprenticeship) programs may be of interest:

Apprenticeship Training

This program satisfies the training standard set by the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for:

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

For updated details regarding Metal Fabricator (Fitter), please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Metal Fabricators interpret drawings and develop, layout, mark, cut, burn, saw, shear, punch, roll, bend, drill, shape, form, straighten, fit, assemble, ream, bolt, rivet, weld, test, inspect, prepare, prime, paint, rig, and handle structural and mechanical fabrications constructed from plates and structural shapes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes four years to complete.

The Technical training is made up of three levels totaling 600 hours (20 weeks). Level 1 and 2 are 210 hours each (7 weeks) and Level 3 is 180 hours (6 weeks). This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.
 
The work-based training totals 4800 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this involves roughly 160 weeks of training.


For details about the Pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative and recent changes to the program structure, visit the ITA website OPSN-2016-016. 

Training Content
  • Perform Safety-related Functions
  • Use Tools and Equipment
  • Interpret Plans, Drawings and Specifications
  • Perform Quality Control
  • Handle Materials
  • Perform Trade Math and Layout
  • Form Materials
  • Fabricate Components
  • Perform Welding Activities
  • Complete Project
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 10 or equivalent, including:
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
Advisor Tips
The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Ironworker (Generalist) - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None

Boilermaker - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None

Welder B - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None

Welder - Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.