Structural Metal Fabricator/Fitter
Structural Metal Fabricator/Fitter
Career Overview
Structural metal fabricators and fitters build and assemble metal components used in buildings, bridges, towers, tanks, industrial equipment, ships, and other large structures. They read drawings and measurements, cut and shape metal, position and align parts, and may tack-weld or otherwise join components. Precision, safety, teamwork, and the ability to work with tools and machinery are important parts of the job.
Education
A high school education is a common starting point for this career. Many structural metal fabricators and fitters learn through an apprenticeship, combining supervised hands-on training with technical instruction. Programs and certification requirements vary by location. Courses or training in metalworking, welding, fabrication, and technical drawing can also provide valuable preparation.
Future Outlook
Metal fabrication will continue to be important for construction, transportation, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and industrial projects. At the same time, automation and advanced manufacturing technologies are changing how metal components are produced. Workers who develop strong skills in precision measurement, computer-aided design, machinery, welding, and modern fabrication techniques can be well prepared for changing opportunities in the trade. U.S. projections show that employment in this specific occupation is expected to decline, while Canada reports a range of prospects depending on the region.
Work Environment
Structural metal fabricators and fitters usually work in manufacturing and fabrication facilities, where they use hand tools, power tools, cutting and forming equipment, and sometimes cranes or hoists. The work can involve standing for long periods, lifting and positioning materials, and working around noise, heat, dust, and metalworking equipment. Safety procedures and protective equipment are an important part of the workplace.
Recommended High School Courses
- Math
- Welding
- Communication
- Trade-related courses
- Technical Writing
- Computer Applications
- English
- Construction safety
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
- Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
- Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
- Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.
- Design templates or patterns.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
- Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.
- Direct operational or production activities.
- Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications.
- Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
Schools
Potential Scholarships
Approx Salary Expectation
Related Careers
References
Trend Analysis - Explorer the Market, Labour Market Information, Government of Canada https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis.
O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development, https://www.onetonline.org/.