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Metal Fabrication: Apprenticeship

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

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  • Training Level
    Apprenticeship
  • Tuition Estimate
    $129 per week
  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates
    Contact: Cloverdale Campus Bookstore 604.598.6020
  • Credential Granted
    • Apprenticeship
    • ITA Credential
  • Coordinator Contact
    apprentice@kpu.ca 604.598.6102

Application Deadline Advice

This is a limited intake program. Limited intake programs are not offered every semester. Please check the academic calendar to verify when this program is being offered.

The application periods are:

Semester

Applications Open

Applications Close

Fall (Sept)

October 1

March 1*

Spring (Jan)

February 1

August 1*

Summer (May)

June 1

December 1*


*Note: Select programs may extend the application deadline, space permitting.

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 Kwantlen for the next opening.

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

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

ITA Source: 'Metal Fabricator (Fitter)' profile.

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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 20 weeks (600 hours). Level 1 and 2 are 7 weeks each (210 hours each).  Level 3 is 6 weeks (180 hours). 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

Training modules are:

  • Introduction to the Trade
  • Use Safe Work Practices
  • Solve Trade Math Problems
  • Use Trade Tools
  • Use Shop Equipment
  • Burn and Weld Metals
  • Read Drawings
  • Use Material Handling Equipment
  • Use Structural Layout Techniques
  • Develop Plate and Structural Patterns
  • Use Surface Preparation and Finishing Methods
  • Fabricate Plate and Structural Sections
  • Describe Basic Metallurgy and Testing Techniques
  • Use Testing and Inspection Methods
  • On-site Installation

Pre-requisites

Recommended

  • Grade 10 or equivalent
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent

Red Seal Endorsement

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.

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.