How Do I Become a Metal Fabricator / Fitter?
Metal fabricator [fitter] is an Inter-provincially recognized Red Seal trade. With a Red Seal, you can work in this trade anywhere in Canada.
Completion of Grade 10 is the minimum education requirement. However, completion of secondary school is preferred.
Trade certification is not mandatory to be metal fabricator [fitter] in B.C., but it will likely increase your job opportunities. You can become certified by completing a four year apprenticeship program.
Once you complete the apprenticeship program and successfully pass the Interprovincial Red Seal exam, you become certified as journeyperson. After passing the Interprovincial exam (the final exam for this trade), you also automatically have a Red Seal endorsement through BC’s Industry Training Authority (ITA).
Challenge Certification/Recognition of Prior Experience:
If you have significant work experience as a metal fabricator but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. This includes completing 9,600 hours of work in the trade and successfully writing the Interprovincial Red Seal exam.