HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path starts in secondary school with English, math, and science, especially shop, drafting, or technology classes if available. Many students then learn through a combination of classroom training and paid on-the-job experience in metal fabrication, welding, or heavy industrial work. Some employers may prefer a high school diploma and practical shop skills, while others may offer more structured training for new workers. Early experience with measuring, reading blueprints, using hand and power tools, and working safely around heavy metal can be helpful. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the specific type of fabrication work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy 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.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Diagrams/DrawingsConstruction/manufacturingPhysical Work