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Apprenticeship

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

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Campus

The location where your NAIT courses will be held.

School

The educational branch of NAIT that offers this program. Each school is uniquely equipped with facilities, equipment, and curriculum designed to benefit the needs of their students.

Credential

The type of certification (degree, diploma, certificate) you will earn after completing your program.

  • Degree - NAIT offers a number of business degrees and applied science and technology degrees accredited by Alberta Advanced Education.
    Applied degree programs offer a stronger emphasis on practical applications of the concepts learned in the classroom
  • Diplomas & Certificates - These credit programs take 1 or 2 years and lead to government approved and industry-recognized credentials.
  • Journeyman Certificate - Hands-on and expert-led apprenticeship and industry training for skilled trades and technology professionals.
  • Continuing Education/Non-Credit - NAIT offers a wide range of non-credit programs and courses for personal and professional development in a number of interesting and exciting fields. These options are great for people who may be working but are interested in studying as well.

Delivery Options

The flexible schedule options for this course including time of day and full/part-time.

  • Day - Courses taking place between Monday - Friday, before 5 PM.
  • Evening/Weekend - Courses taking place on weekdays from 5 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Online - Sometimes called "Home Study" or "Computer-Based Learning"
  • Blended - A combination of online and in-class components.
  • Distance - Traditional correspondence format. These courses work best if you can't get to a campus or if your schedule can't accommodate fixed class times

Periods

Apprenticeship is a method of gaining the expertise needed to become a skilled tradesperson. This is done through a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom training.

Most apprenticeship programs are 3-4 periods in length, with an average of 8 weeks for each training period. In addition, there are specific allotments of on-the-job training hours associated with each period, so most apprentices complete 1 period per calendar year.

You want to be a metal fabricator. Formerly known as a structural steel and plate fitter, you want to learn how to lay out, prepare and assemble structural steel and steel vessels, containers and other components. You are interested in assembling structural components for buildings, bridges and other load-carrying structures.

But you need to learn more, like how to safely use oxy-fuel gas cutting and arc welding equipment, or the layout and fabrication methods used on structural steel, bridges, tanks, boilers and pressure vessels.

At NAIT, where we’ve been training metal fabricator apprentices since 1984, we’re here to teach you everything you need to know.

Here are a few other subjects covered in the Metal Fabricator apprenticeship program at NAIT:

  • material handling theory and practical exercises
  • blueprint reading
  • introductory theory in metallurgy, codes, quality control methods and materials

Hands-on, industry-relevant training 

If you like working with your hands at physically demanding tasks and seeing the results of your work, then you will enjoy working as a metal fabricator.

Metal fabricators work mostly indoors in shops, with regular employment in construction or fabrication.

Training at NAIT

The Metal Fabricator (Fitter) apprenticeship term is:

  • 3 years (three 12-month periods)
  • minimum 1500 hours on-the-job training each year
  • 8 weeks of technical training each year

 

Enter the workforce with confidence 

As a metal fabricator, you will be employed in manufacturing, as well as in commercial construction and repair shops in the steel fabrication and oil industries. Experienced metal fabricators may advance to supervisory positions.

Some past graduates of this program have gone on to become industry leaders in roles such as president, superintendent, general foreman, detailer and quality control inspector.

Resources

Have questions?

Contact Student Service Centre

General program information

Email: Manufacturing@nait.ca


Periods

View periods for this program

Tuition & Fees

Get an estimate on cost to attend

How to Apply

Information on admissions process

Scholarships & Awards

Funding for students in this program

Apprenticeship is a method of gaining the expertise needed to become a skilled tradesperson. This is done through a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom training.

Once your training has been completed, you’ll be able to write provincial examinations set by the Government of Alberta and become a certified journeyperson.

Period 1

The first period of technical training is 8 weeks in length. Apprentices are trained in material handling, tools and safety, layout, fitting and fabrication, drawing interpretation, flame cutting, tack welding and metallurgy

Period 2

The second period of technical training is 8 weeks in length. Apprentices are provided further training in material handling, tools and safety, layout, fitting and fabrication, drawing interpretation, flame cutting, tack welding and metallurgy.

Period 3

The third period of technical training is 8 weeks in length. Apprentices are provided advanced training in layout, fitting and fabrication, and drawing interpretation, as well as quality control, codes and business knowledge.

Period 1

  • Tuition: $784.00
  • Books & Supplies: $325.00
  • NAITSA & Materials Fee: $135.88
  • Athletic Fee: $37.60

Period 2

  • Tuition: $784.00
  • Books & Supplies: $185.00
  • NAITSA & Materials Fee: $135.88
  • Athletic Fee: $37.60

Period 3

  • Tuition: $784.00
  • Books & Supplies: $185.00
  • NAITSA & Materials Fee: $135.88
  • Athletic Fee: $37.60

Complete an apprenticeship application & contract form

Effective November 1, 2014, you must fillout the application located on the MyTradesecrets website for Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board staff to determine if you are eligible for status as an indentured apprentice.

Dates & Deadlines

Once you are an indentured apprentice, you can review the availability and start and end dates of the program you are interested in. Log into your MyTradesecrets profile and do a search under the Class Registration section. Then you can determine the schedule that best fits your needs.

We recommend submitting your program application at least 90 days before the application deadline.

Apply to Program

Apply to the program with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application process. Please note, processing time may vary for applicants, so we recommend starting early.

Apply nowHow to apply checklist

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT supports over 4,000 students with over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries each year. Many are available for students across a wide range of programs.

Explore our available Scholarships and Bursaries

Red Seal

The Interprovincial Red Seal Program was developed to provide journeypersons with the ability to work anywhere in Canada.

Learn more

Blue Seal

If you are a certified Blue Seal journeyperson in Alberta, you've proven that you meet Alberta's high industry standards and possess the skills to succeed in your trade.

Learn more

Explore your options

There are many different ways to experience a NAIT education, from full-time diploma programs and apprenticeships to part-time degrees. Let us help you choose what's right for you.

Apply for Apprenticeship and Industry Training

Begin the application process through MyTradesecrets.

Apply Now How to Apply

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