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. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Moderate
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
NS, AB, BC
Top Provinces
What They Do
- 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.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school is usually required.
- checkCompletion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program ora 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.
- checkTrade certification for metal fabricators (fitters) is available, but voluntary, in all provinces.
- checkTrade certification for marine technicians is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
- checkTrade certification for piledriver and bridgeworker is available in British Columbia.
- checkTrade certification for boiler and related equipment assemblers and structural metal fabricators (non-construction) is available, but voluntary, in Quebec.
- checkRed Seal endorsement is also available to qualified metal fabricators (fitters) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Market Outlook by Province
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (NOC 72104) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters in Nova Scotia: Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters mainly work in the following sectors: Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 43%Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 15%Construction (NAICS 23): 14%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 12%Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 6% 59% of structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 6% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 33% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 38% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: n/a university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Moderate
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Limited for structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (NOC 72104) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters in Alberta: Approximately 650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters mainly work in the following sectors: Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 42%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 14%Construction (NAICS 23): 14%Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 10%Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 6% 60% of structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 8% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 45% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Limited
Outlook
British Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (NOC 72104) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Some physical duties of this occupation could be performed by automation technologies, which may enable workers to do their jobs more efficiently. The adoption of new technologies such as robotics (including autonomous vehicles, drones, sensors) integrated with digital innovations are expected to bolster industries including construction, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and trade.Here are some key facts about structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters in British Columbia: Approximately 1,750 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters mainly work in the following sectors: Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 30%Other Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336 except 3366): 15%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 14%Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 11%Construction (NAICS 23): 8% 70% of structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.10% of structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 8% compared to 8% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 53% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Limited
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 72104 openings right now.
Ontario Shipyards
1 active role · St. Catharines, ON
Walters Group
1 active role · Stoney Creek, ON
Clearwater Structures
1 active role · Bowmanville, ON
Petro Service Limited
1 active role · Saint John, NB
Aecon
1 active role · Brantford, ON
CWB Group
1 active role · Edmonton, AB
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Search Structural metal and platework fabricators and fittersarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Quality Control Testing
to ensure the integrity and safety of fabricated metal components used in buildings, bridges or other structures
Operation and Control
to operate a variety of tools and equipment, such as welding machines or cutting torches, used to fabricate and assemble metal components
Explosive Strength
to quickly and efficiently lift and maneuver heavy metal components, such as steel beams, large metal plates or bulky materials
Trunk Strength
to ensure stability and support for the upper body while lifting, bending or reaching for structural metal or platework
Attention to Detail
to assemble components according to precise specifications and blueprints, in order to meet safety standards and client expectations
Knowledge in Building and Construction
to comprehend building materials, structural assembly techniques and foundational construction safety standards for handling metal components
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