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NOC 2016 Version 1.3

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7235 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

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.

Profile

Example titles

  • Metal fabricator
  • Plater
  • Platework fitter
  • Shipfitter
  • Shipfitter apprentice
  • Steel fabricator
  • Structural steel fitter

Main duties

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 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.
  • Trade certification for marine technicians is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
  • Trade certification for boiler and related equipment assemblers and structural metal fabricators (non-construction) is available, but voluntary, in Quebec.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified metal fabricators (fitters) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • Some structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters may also be certified as skilled welders.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

Exclusions

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education, specialized training or apprenticeship training.
Major group
72 – Industrial, electrical and construction trades
Minor group
723 – Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades
Associated Career Handbook profiles
7235.0 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
Version
NOC 2016 Version 1.3
Date modified: