Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Alert

Government's holiday closure runs from December 24 to January 1, 2025. For emergency supports, please visit alberta.ca or call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.

Apprenticeship

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Metal fabricators (fitters) lay out, prepare and assemble structural steel and steel vessels, containers and miscellaneous components.

Also Known As

Fitter, Steel Worker, Structural Steel and Plate Fitter

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7263: Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters

2006 NOC-S

  • H323: Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters

2011 NOC

  • 7235: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

2016 NOC

  • 7235: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

2021 NOC

  • 72104: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

2023 OaSIS

  • 72104.00: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Metal fabricators (fitters) fabricate structural components for buildings, bridges and other load-carrying structures, and plates for tanks, boilers, pressure vessels and similar products.

On a typical project, metal fabricators (fitters):

  • Review drawings and discuss them with management or the customer
  • Plan the sequence of tasks and decide how to cut steel most efficiently
  • Determine the materials required and obtain them from stock
  • Develop or mark patterns if required
  • Use metal-working machines and cutting torches to cut steel, drill or punch holes, and roll, bend or press steel into desired shapes
  • Assemble and fit metal sections and plates together to form complete units or sub-units
  • Fasten components together (by mechanical means or tack weld) in preparation for a welder to complete the fabrication process
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Metal fabricators (fitters) typically work indoors in shops, for a 40-hour week. At times, they may have to put in overtime to meet project deadlines. There is some risk of injury when working with heavy materials and power tools.

Metal fabricators (fitters) may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters

2006 NOC: 7263

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in setting up and operating heavy-duty metalworking machines such as brake presses, shears, cutting torches, grinders and drills, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill and otherwise form heavy metal components

METHODICAL

Interest in forming heavy metal components using heavy-duty metalworking machines, in assembling components to form subunits and complete units, and in installing fabricated components in final products

INNOVATIVE

Interest in compiling information to determine materials required, and to construct patterns and templates as guides for layouts

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Metal fabricators (fitters) need:

  • Strength and stamina
  • Co-ordination and manual dexterity
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to work in close quarters

They should enjoy doing tasks that are physically demanding.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

2016 NOC: 7235

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 154 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 07, 2023 and Dec 21, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Assemble and fit plates and sections to form structures
Tasks: Lay out reference points and patterns
Tasks: Construct patterns and templates
Tasks: Install fabricated components in final product
Tasks: Rig, hoist and move materials to storage areas or within worksite
Tasks: Weld or bolt sections together
Attention to detail
Tasks: Set up and operate heavy-duty metal-working machines
Hand-eye co-ordination
Structural metal or steel
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, a metal fabricator (fitter) must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate
  • Someone who works for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of certified journeyperson
  • Self-employed

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 10-2, Math 10-3, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Metal fabricator (fitter) apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Metal fabricators (fitters) lay out, prepare and assemble structural steel and steel vessels, containers and miscellaneous components. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Metal Fabricator (Fitter).

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Metal fabricators (fitters) are employed by manufacturing companies and commercial construction and repair shops in the steel fabrication and oil industries. Employment is year-round, however employment prospects are affected by changes in the oil and construction sectors.

Experienced metal fabricators (fitters) may advance to roles in supervision or inspection. They may also set up their own business or become self-employed.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
2016 NOC: 7235

78.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
2021 NOC: 72104
Medium
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
2016 NOC: 7235
2.1%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
9
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson metal fabricators (fitters) wage rates vary but generally range from $28 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75% in the second and 90% in the third.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

2016 NOC: 7235
Average Wage
$30.60
Per Hour
Average Salary
$59,012.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7235 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $35.63 $23.55 $22.00
Overall $22.50 $38.00 $30.60 $30.00
Top $28.00 $52.00 $37.18 $36.76

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
10%
10%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
0%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

Was this page useful?