Metal fabricators (fitters) make and repair metal parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other structures and products. They lay out, cut and fabricate structural steel, plate and miscellaneous ferrous and non-ferrous metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. They also assemble and fit metal sections and plates together to form complete units or sub-units such as frames, plates, girders and chutes that are used later in the assembly process.
Metal fabricators (fitters) must have the ability to interpret blueprints, drawings and schematics to accomplish their work. They use tools and equipment such as brake presses, shears, plasma cutters, oxy-fuel cutting torches, grinders and drills to bend, cut, punch, drill or form metal components. They may also use computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment. They fasten components together by using methods such as tack welding, bolting and riveting. They also use material handling and rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment to move materials and completed assemblies.
Skills important to metal fabricators (fitters) include the ability to visualize in three-dimensions, good coordination, mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and the ability to perform work-related mathematical calculations.
There are risks associated with this trade such as working in close quarters and with power tools, welding equipment and heavy materials.
Metal fabricators (fitters) usually work indoors in fabricating shops or factories. Some may also work outdoors fitting and fastening sub-assemblies. They may be employed by welding or ironworking companies, or by manufacturers of structural steel, boilers, heavy machinery and transportation equipment. They can also find employment in other sectors including maintenance, shipbuilding, fishing, agricultural equipment, railways, aviation, mining and the oil and gas industry.
This National Occupational Analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of welders, ironworkers, steamfitter/pipefitters and boilermakers. Metal fabricators (fitters) often hold welding certification.
With experience, metal fabricators (fitters) may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may advance to supervisory positions such as foremen or contract managers, or set up their own shops.
