Are you interested in setting up and operating heavy-duty metalworking machines and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment? Do you have some mechanical aptitude? Are you good with your hands? If so, a career as a Structural Steel and Plate Fitter may be the career for you!
What do I do?
Structural Steel and Plate Fitters work indoors in metalworking shops laying out, preparing and assembling structural components of bridges, buildings, containers and other structures, and plates for tanks, boilers, pressure vessels, etc.
How do I advance?
Structural Steel and Plate Fitters have a positive future in Alberta. They work in manufacturing, and commercial construction and repair shops in the steel fabrication and oil industries. They can work in steel manufacturing, commercial construction, or oil and gas exploration and transportation.
Experienced Structural Steel and Plate Fitters can advance to supervisory positions.
With additional training, you can transfer your skills to related occupations like Ironworker, Boilermaker, Welder, Sheet Metal Worker, Machinist, Millwright, Tool and Die Maker or Elevator Constructor.
Journeyman Structural Steel and Plate Fitters who want to apprentice as Ironworkers or Boilermakers can get credit for their work experience when they re-train for those careers.
How much do I make?
Apprentice Structural Steel and Plate Fitters earn at least 60% of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of their apprenticeship, 75% in the second, and 90% in the third year. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $14 to $27.12 an hour base wage (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage survey by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Structural Steel and Plate Fitters work a 40-hour workweek with some overtime required to meet construction or fabrication deadlines.
Where do I go from here?
As a skilled Structural Steel and Plate Fitter, youÕll have the opportunity to get well-paying work. You can also upgrade your skills and potentially move into higher level positions.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Structural Engineering FAB2010 or Oxyacetylene Welding FAB1040. See your school counsellor for more information.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Structural Steel and Plate Fitter apprenticeship program, applicants must have at least Grade 9 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and select apprentices from among their current employees. Courses in Math are particularly important.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is three years (three 12-month periods with a minimum of 1500 hours of employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, and is currently being offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass an approved interprovincial examination, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means that your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
