Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
A Metal Fabricator (Fitter) builds, assembles and repairs products made of ferrous and non ferrous metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. Specifically, a Metal Fabricator (Fitter):
- reads and interprets engineered drawings, sketches, codes and standards
- plans the sequence of tasks and executes fabrication safely and efficiently
- performs calculations and applies shop formulas by using mathematical methods to develop patterns
- completes the task of measuring, marking and laying out a variety of plate and structural shapes
- sets up and operates trade specific machinery to cut and form parts to be assembled
- assembles and fits parts to form sub-assemblies or complete units used in the manufacturing process
- connects components using various welding processes and mechanical fasteners
- utilizes material handling, rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment safely
- performs job duties safely and with precision ensuring compliance with drawings and applicable codes and standards
Red Seal trade
Apprenticeship Resources
Apprenticeship Training Standard (PDF) Curriculum Training Standard – Levels 1, 2, & 3 (PDF) Trade ReportAPPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Metal Fabricator (Fitter) is 5,400 hours (approximately four years) consisting of 4,680 hours of on-the job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed are set out by the trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standard and are recognized by the industry as being essential to the practice of the trade.
As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.
IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
A Metal Fabricator (Fitter) apprenticeship includes three levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:
- applied trade practices, procedures, trade standards and codes
- trade calculations and shop formulas
- computer applications and documentation
- metal fabrication theory (Level 1, 2, 3)
- specific trade machinery applications
- welding and cutting processes in various positions
- rigging and hoisting
- quality control and inspection
- metallurgical principles
- destructive and non-destructive examination
- pattern and template development
- modes of communication
Depending on the training delivery agency, in-school training may be available in one of the following ways:
- block release (full-time, for a set number of weeks)
- day release (one day per week from September to June)
- part-time (night-school programs)
- alternative delivery (online, correspondence, etc.)
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) is a trade named under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
This trade has an apprenticeship program that is administered by Skilled Trades Ontario. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
This trade has a certifying exam. When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade. Because this trade is non-compulsory, this certificate does not have to be renewed, and the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
In Ontario, the trade is part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program—the national standard for the trade across Canada— under the title Metal Fabricator (Fitter): www.red-seal.ca.