Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

On-the-Job Training Guide

2021
Online: www.saskapprenticeship.ca

Recognition:
To promote transparency and consistency, portions of this document has been adapted from the 2012
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) National Occupational Analysis (Employment and Social Development Canada).

A complete version of the Occupational Analysis can be found at www.red-seal.ca

STRUCTURE OF THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
GUIDE
To facilitate understanding of the occupation, this on-the-job training guide contains the following
sections:

Description of the Metal Fabricator (Fitter) trade: an overview of the trade’s duties and training
requirements.

Essential Skills Summary: an overview of how each of the nine essential skills is applied in this trade.

Harmonization: a brief description on the pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative for the Metal Fabricator
(Fitter) trade.

Task Matrix: a chart which outlines graphically the major work activities, tasks and sub-tasks of this
standard detailing the essential skills and the level of training where the content is covered.
Major Work Activity (MWA): the largest division within the standard that is comprised of a distinct set
of trade activities.
Task: distinct actions that describe the activities within a major work activity.
Sub-task: distinct actions that describe the activities within a task.

On-the-Job and In-school Training Content for the Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Trade: a chart which
outlines on-the-job examples for apprentices to achieve relevant work experience to prepare for topics of
technical training.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE METAL FABRICATOR
(FITTER) TRADE
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) make and repair metal parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges,
tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other structures and products. They develop patterns. 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 Fabricator (Fitters) must have the ability to interpret fabrication drawings and specifications. They
select materials to accomplish their work. Metal Fabricator (Fitters) use tools and equipment such as
press brakes, shears, plasma cutters, oxy-fuel cutting torches, grinders and drills to bend, cut, punch, drill
or form metal components. They may also use computer numerical controlled (CNC) equipment. They
fasten components together by using methods such as 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 Fabricator (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, at heights, and with power
tools, welding equipment and heavy materials. Metal Fabricator (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 analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of welders, sheet metal workers,
ironworkers, steamfitter/pipefitters, millwrights and boilermakers. Metal Fabricator (Fitters) often hold
welding certification. With experience, Metal Fabricator (Fitters) may act as mentors and trainers to
apprentices in the trade. They may advance to positions such as lead hand, supervisor, quality
assurance/quality control inspector, or contract manager, or set up their own shops.

Training Requirements: 5400 hours and 3 years, including 3 8-week training sessions delivered by
Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon.

Journeyperson to apprentice ratio for this trade is: 1:2

The information contained in this document serves as a guide for employers and apprentices.
Apprenticeship training is mutually beneficial to both employer and apprentice. The employer’s
investment in training apprentices results in skilled and certified workers. These pages summarize the
tasks that should be covered by the apprentice during the on-the-job portion of apprenticeship training. An
apprentice spends approximately 85% of the apprenticeship term training on-the-job.

It is the employer’s or journeyperson’s responsibility to supervise an apprentice’s practical skills

development until a satisfactory level of proficiency has been reached.

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EMPLOYER TRAINING RESPONSIBILITY
• promote a safety-conscious and learning-friendly work environment
• provide mentored, hands-on practice in the use of tools and equipment
• further the apprentice’s ability to interpret technical drawings and perform trade math
• demonstrate the procedures relevant to the layout, forming, fitting and fabrication of metal
components
• ensure that the apprentice can estimate production costs and understand quality assurance
procedures
• use guided instruction to develop skill for tacking in all positions and running straight beads
using both GMAW and SMAW methods using 7018 electrodes

Employers should make every effort to expose their apprentices to work experience in as many areas of
the trade as possible.

In the following pages, in-school instruction is listed first followed by suggestions to help employers assist
the apprentice to prepare for in-school training.

The content of the training components is subject to change without notice.

Entrance Requirements for Apprenticeship Training

Your grade twelve transcript (with no modified classes) or GED 12 is your guarantee that you meet the
educational entrance requirements for apprenticeship in Saskatchewan. In fact, employers prefer and
recommend apprentices who have completed high school. This ensures the individual has all of the
necessary skills required to successfully complete the apprenticeship program, and receive
journeyperson certification.

Individuals with “modified” or “general” classes in math or science do not meet our entry requirements.
These individuals are required to take an entrance assessment prescribed by the SATCC.

English is the language of instruction in all apprenticeship programs and is the common language for
business in Saskatchewan. Before admission, all apprentices and/or “upgraders” must be able to
understand and communicate in the English language. Applicants whose first language is not English
must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six (CLB6).

Note: A CLB assessment is valid for a one-year period from date of issue.

Designated Trade Name Math Credit at the Indicated Science Credit at Grade
Grade Level Level
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Grade 10 Grade 10
 - (One of the following) WA – Workplace and Apprenticeship; or F – Foundations; or P – Pre-
calculus, or a Math at the indicated grade level (Modified and General Math credits are not
acceptable.).

*Applicants who have graduated in advance of 2015-2016, or who do not have access to the revised
Science curricula will require a Science at the minimum grade level indicated by trade.

For information about high school curriculum, including Math and Science course names, please see:
http://www.curriculum.gov.sk.ca/#

Individuals not meeting the entrance requirements will be subject to an assessment

and any required training

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS SUMMARY
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other
skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies
have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and
throughout daily life in different ways.

A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be
better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a
tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:

• understand how essential skills are used in the trades;

• learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
• improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.

The tools are available online or for order at: www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/profiles/index.shtml

The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the skills and knowledge
which support each sub-task of the trade. The most important essential skills for each sub-task have also
been identified. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken
from the essential skills profile. A link to the complete essential skills profile can be found at
www.red-seal.ca.

READING
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) require reading skills to gather information from forms and labels. They also
need to read to understand more complex texts such as equipment and policy and procedure manuals,
specifications, codes and standards.

DOCUMENT USE
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) locate and interpret information in several types of documents such as labels,
signs, forms, lists, tables, technical drawings and specifications. They interpret fabrication drawings to
determine how ferrous and non-ferrous materials should be cut and assembled by integrating plan views,
elevation and section drawings as well as synthesizing information from other prints about adjacent
components of the fabrication. Metal Fabricator (Fitters) also prepare documents such as sketches and
forms.

WRITING
Writing skills are used by Metal Fabricator (Fitters) to write short texts. Examples of written work include
logbook entries, quality assurance reports and production problem reports.

ORAL COMMUNICATION
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) discuss equipment maintenance and repair with suppliers, and specifications
and plans with co-workers, supervisors and general contractors. They may supervise and direct the work
of apprentices. Because of constant noise, Metal Fabricator (Fitters) may also communicate through hand

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signals, gestures and sometimes notes.

NUMERACY
Numeracy skills are very important in the everyday work of Metal Fabricator (Fitters). Mathematical skills
are used in taking measurements, doing material layout, using formulas, preparing cut lists and preparing
jigs according to specifications in fabrication drawings.

THINKING
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) may suggest modifications to project designs to correct flaws, for example when
fabrication drawing specifications do not take into account the space needed for welds. They need the
ability to think spatially and visualize in three dimensions. On the job they are required to problem solve
on a regular basis, such as trouble shooting equipment problems and making repairs.

WORKING WITH OTHERS

Metal Fabricator (Fitters) generally work independently to fabricate and fit metal structures following
fabrication drawing specifications, though they may work with others to complete large projects. Metal
Fabricator (Fitters) co-ordinate work with supervisors, co-workers, quality control staff and with workers
from other trades such as millwrights or welders.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) may input parameters for CNC equipment such as press brakes or cutting
tables. They may also use computer technology during pattern development. They may need to have a
basic knowledge of CAD software to prepare layouts and interpret plans and drawings.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Metal Fabricator (Fitters) have a need to engage in ongoing learning to acquire information about health
and safety, new products, metal fabrication procedures, metal properties and quality assurance
standards. They must maintain skills and certification according to industry and jurisdictional regulatory
authorities. New learning is acquired as part of regular work activities, by participating in industry specific
training sessions, reading trade journals and talking to other Metal Fabricator (Fitters).

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HARMONIZATION
At the request of industry, the Harmonization Initiative was launched in 2013 to substantively align
apprenticeship systems across Canada by making training requirements more consistent in the Red Seal
trades. Harmonization aims to improve the mobility of apprentices, support an increase in their completion
rates and enable employers to access a larger pool of apprentices.

As part of this work, the Canadian Council of the Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) identified four main
harmonization priorities in consultation with industry and training stakeholders:

1. Trade name
The official Red Seal name for this trade is Metal Fabricator (Fitter).

2. Number of Levels of Apprenticeship

The number of levels of technical training recommended for the Metal Fabricator (Fitter) trade is three.

3. Total Training Hours during Apprenticeship Training

The total hours of training, including both on-the-job and in-school training for the Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
trade is 5400.

4. Consistent sequencing of training content (at each level) using the most recent
Occupational Standard
Implementation for harmonization will take place progressively. Level one to be implemented in
2016/2017, level two in 2017/2018 and level three in 2018/2019. Harmonization for the Metal Fabricator
(Fitter) trade has been fully implemented for each level of technical training. See Appendix A for the
finalized curriculum comparisons.

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 METAL FABRICATOR (FITTER) TASK MATRIX
CHART
This chart outlines the major work activities, tasks and sub-tasks from the 2016 Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
National Occupational Analysis. Each sub-task details the corresponding essential skill and level of
training where the content is covered.

Sub-tasks with numbers in the boxes is where the content will be delivered in training. Harmonization for
the Metal Fabricator (Fitter) trade has been fully implemented for each level of technical training.

A - COMMON OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS

A-1 Performs safety-related 1.01 Maintains safe 1.02 Uses personal

functions. work environment. protective
equipment (PPE)
and safety
equipment.

1 1

A-2 Maintains and uses tools 2.01 Maintains hand, 2.02 Maintains 2.03 Maintains 2.04 Uses access
and equipment. power, layout and Stationary cutting and welding equipment.
measuring tools and machinery. equipment.
equipment.

1 1 1 1

A-3 Organizes work 3.01 Interprets plans, 3.02 3.03 Organizes

drawings and Communicates project tasks.
specifications. with others.

1,2 3 3

A-4 Performs quality assurance 4.01 Performs visual 4.02 Verifies 4.03 Tracks
throughout fabrication and inspections. measurements, material and parts
assembly process welds and layout. for traceability

3 3 3

A-5 Handles materials. 5.01 Organizes 5.02 Determines 5.03 Applies 5.04 Operates
material. weights. rigging practices. material handling
equipment.

3 1 1 1

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B – FABRICATION OF COMPONENTS

B-6 Performs layout. 6.01 Performs 6.02 Calculates 6.03 Determines 6.04 Transfers 6.05 Makes
pattern Material dimensions. dimensions. templates.
development. allowances for
various processes.

2,3 1 2,3 2,3 2,3

B-7 Cuts materials. 7.01 Cuts material 7.02 Cuts material 7.03 Cuts material 7.04 Cuts material 7.05 Cuts material
using manual using manual oxy- using shears. using saws. Using ironworkers.
plasma cutting fuel cutting
equipment. equipment.

2 1 2 1 2

7.06 Cuts material 7.07 Drills holes. 7.08 Cuts threads. 7.09 Prepares
using computer joints.
numerical
controlled (CNC)
equipment.

3 1 1 1,2

B-8 Forms materials. 8.01 Forms 8.02 Forms 8.03 Forms 8.04 Forms 8.05 Applies heat
materials using materials using materials using materials using for forming.
plate rollers. shape rollers. conventional and benders.
computer
numerical
controlled (CNC)
press brakes.

2 3 2 2 2

C – ASSEMBLY OF COMPONENTS

C-9 Fits and fastens sub- 9.01 Assembles 9.02 Determines 9.03 Assembles 9.04 Sets 9.05 Fastens
components and components. jigs. proper sequence sub-components fabricated components on-
for assembly. and components. component in site.
place.

1 3 3 3 3

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C-10 Performs welding activities 10.01 Applies heat 10.02 Performs 10.03 Minimizes 10.04 Applies 10.05 Corrects
prior to tack tack welding. welding distortions. welding processes. welding
welding. distortions.

1 1 1 1 1

C-11 Completes project. 11.01 Determines 11.02 Prepares

finishing process. material for
finishing.

3 3

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ON-THE-JOB AND IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
CONTENT FOR THE METAL FABRICATOR
(FITTER) TRADE
This chart outlines on-the-job examples for apprentices to achieve relevant work experience to prepare
for the topics of technical training. Topics of technical training are provided with the associated learning
outcomes.

Level One 8 weeks 240 hours

Layout, Fit, and Fabrication – Theory 25 hours
• perform geometric constructions
• develop two dimensional templates
• describe use and advantages of jigs
Layout, Fit, and Fabrication – Shop 45 hours
• make a bend set template
• make sweep templates
• layout flanges
• layout square grid on floor
• determine plum and level
• fabricate small projects
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• demonstrating and assisting the apprentice to perform geometric constructions, mark up, template
• development and plate layout
• describing the advantages of using jigs
• assisting the apprentice to perform a bend set and flange layout
• showing examples of and describing grid and flange layouts
• ensuring the apprentice can use the tools required to determine plumb and level

Mathematics for Fabricator 1 24 hours

• use arithmetic
• use equation fundamentals
• use metric units
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• ensuring the apprentice can read a tape measure in both metric and imperial
• having the apprentice convert from imperial dimensions to metric dimensions, and back
• having the apprentice repetitively add imperial measurements, particularly fractions
• teaching the apprentice to convert decimal measurements to fractions, and back

Print Reading and Drafting 24 hours

• develop shop drawings
• interpret drawings
• calculate materials
• interpret welding symbols
• describe joint preparation

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 Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• assisting to interpret print document lines, symbols and abbreviations
• providing instruction regarding projections, views and dimensioning
• providing instruction and opportunity for the sketching of miscellaneous simple components
• discussing a bill of material and demonstrating material calculations
• showing examples of and ensuring the apprentice understands weld symbols
• showing examples of and ensuring the apprentice understands joint preparations

Rigging and Overhead Crane 42 hours

• discuss occupational health and safety regulations
• discuss types of cranes
• apply rigging
• demonstrate signaling
• calculate load estimate
• establish capability of crane
• demonstrate effective site evaluation
• use crane controls
• operate crane
• discuss crane maintenance
• fill out a log book
• describe use of jacks
• describe the use of equipment aids
• identify strengths of ropes and knots
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• reviewing the rigging, hoisting and turning of loads, and describing the OH&S Table 16
requirements for overhead crane operation
• describing the meaning of Working Load Limit (WLL) and showing how various rigging components
are marked to provide this information
• demonstrating the procedures to estimate the weight of loads
• demonstrating the safe use of wire rope, chains, attachments and lifting and jacking devices
• identifying and demonstrating the use of different ropes and knots

Safety and Access Structures 15 hours

• practice safety in the workplace
• interpret safety legislation
• describe the safe use of scaffolds, walkways, and ladders
• promote safety in the workplace
• describe confined space entry procedures
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• ensuring familiarization with the scope and content of the OH&S Regulations
• practicing and promoting safety in the workplace and requiring the use of PPE
• reviewing the OH&S Table 14.1 requirements for training on power mobile equipment
• demonstrating the safe use of scaffolds, walkways and ladders
• discussing confined space entry and the associated safety rules

Tools and Equipment 20 hours

• use measuring tools
• use layout tools
• use benchwork tools
• describe assembly tools
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 • use metal working equipment such as band saw, iron worker, press brake
• use stationary and portable grinders and sanders
• demonstrate drill, tap and thread procedures
• demonstrate deburring methods
• describe the operation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• identifying and demonstrating the correct use of layout and measuring tools
• explaining the use of metal working hand tools
• providing training and supervision in the use of hand tools and pneumatic tools
• demonstrating the safe use of stationary and portable grinders
• demonstrating and providing hands-on opportunities to drill, tap and thread
• demonstrating the safe use of and providing hands-on opportunities to operate band saws
• providing instruction and allowing supervised operation of ironworkers and press brakes

SMAW/FCAW/GMAW/ Welding and Tacking 30 hours

• describe the fundamentals of electrical theory
• describe the design and operation of a SMAW power source
• tack weld specified joints using SMAW
• describe the design and operation of a GMAW power source
• describe the design and operation of a FCAW power source
• describe the design and operation of a MCAW power source
• tack weld specific joint using GMAW
• weld in flat and horizontal positions using GMAW
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• describing the equipment and consumables (electrodes, gases, etc.); and the process to change
out replaceable components and consumables
• having the mentoring journeyperson demonstrate technique, then monitor progress of the
apprentice
• allowing opportunities for the apprentice to train on the different machines that are available
• letting the apprentice perform welds on practice materials prior to the actual work required
• allowing the apprentice to perform hands-on welding in various situations and positions

Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Arc Cutting 15 hours

• oxy-fuel and plasma arc safety, equipment and consumables
• complete 90 degree and bevel cuts using manual oxy-fuel equipment
• cut structural shapes using oxy-fuel process
• use motorized cutting carriage
• cut plate using plasma arc cutting
• cut plate using CNC plasma arc cutting
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• demonstrating and allowing the apprentice to perform 90 degree and bevel cuts using manual oxy-
fuel equipment
• explaining how to cut structural shapes and allowing opportunities to perform these cuts
• providing instruction and opportunities to use plasma arc cutting equipment

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 Level Two 8 weeks 240 hours
Metallurgy and Material Designation 30 hours
• describe the steel making process
• discuss the properties of metals
• evaluate weldability
• apply heat treatment
• apply heat forming
• identify industrial, structural and vessel fasteners
• identify structural shapes and hollow structural sections
• identify plate, sheet, grating and mesh
• interpret CSA Code G40.21M
• identify pipe fittings
• discuss proper storage and handling procedures
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• demonstrating the procedures used to identify different types of metals
• developing their knowledge of the physical properties of metals
• demonstrating and explaining the application of heat treatment
• explaining weldability and hot and cold working of metals
• describing the differences between ASTM and CSA plate designations
• explaining the selection of expanded mesh, perforated sheets, grating, hollow structural shapes
and specialty tubes
• identifying the applications and installation procedures for structural and vessel fasteners

Fabrication Safety 9 hours

• select personal protection equipment
• describe fall protection procedures
• develop accident prevention awareness
• interpret applicable sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
and Regulations
• complete reporting forms
• identify additional Health and Safety organizations and their function
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing and describing personal protective equipment
• providing training for the procedures and use of fall protection equipment
• describing unsafe working conditions and industrial health hazards and monitoring for future action
appropriate to situations
• ensuring familiarization with the scope and content of the OH&S Regulations regarding the
reporting of accidents and occurrences

Drawing Interpretation 24 hours

• interpret drawings for miscellaneous fabrication, frames, structural
members and tanks
• interpret tank drawings
• interpret structural drawings
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• explaining and allowing opportunities to interpret intermediate fabrication and structural drawings
• describing and providing example drawings of pressure vessels and their components

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 • continuing to expand the apprentice’s knowledge of joint and weld types, welding symbols and
technical abbreviations
• having the apprentice assist in the start-up of domestic appliances

Forming Fitting and Fabrication – Theory 26 hours

• describe structural connections
• describe pressure vessels
• describe types of power saws and their operation
• describe types of shears and their operation
• describe plate rolls and their operation
• describe types of ironworkers and their operation
• describe types of press brakes and their operation
• describe fixed ladder fabrication
Forming Fitting and Fabrication – Shop 54 hours
• operate power saws
• operate shears
• operate iron worker
• operate plate rolls
• bend structural shapes, pipe and hollow structural shapes
• operate press brake
• perform stair layout
• fabricate guard rails and hand rails
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• providing examples of welded and bolted structural connections such as column bases, column
splices; and seated, end plate, double angle beam, bracing, skewed and knee brace connections
• describing the practices particular to pressure vessel fitting such as Hi-Low, maximum out-of-
roundness nozzles onto cylinders, large diameter holes and hydrostatic testing
• having the apprentice participate in the fitting and fabrication of a pressure vessel
• explaining shear, plate roller and press brake operation and requirements
• providing information regarding the bending of structural shapes such as radius of bend,
springback and plate grain
• describing the terminologies associated with stair construction such as rise, run and stringer
• demonstrating the fabrication of stair stringers, ladders, guard and hand rail fabrication

Machine Operations 26 hours

• use drill press to drill, ream and tap
• perform power threading and tapping
• practice tool sharpening and metal finishing
• describe basic turning and milling operations
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• demonstrating the correct procedures and allow the apprentice to use a drill press to drill, ream and
tap
• explaining and demonstrating power threading and tapping equipment
• demonstrating the proper techniques to sharpen tools
• offering hands-on opportunities to perform basic lathe and milling machine operations

Mathematics 24 hours
• use basic mathematics skills
• apply perimeter, area, and volume fundamentals
• use percentages

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 Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• continuing to have the apprentice perform all types of math calculations in both systems of
measurement
• having the apprentice calculate perimeters, areas and volumes; and monitoring for faults
• having the apprentice complete actual work-related problems and perform material quantity
estimating using percent

Layout 35 Hours
• use parallel line development to develop templates
• use radial line development to develop templates
• use triangulation to develop templates
• develop stretch-out templates
• layout vessel components
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• describing and demonstrating layout procedures for parallel lines, triangulation and radial lines and
stretch-out templates
• having the apprentice assist with the layout of vessel components

Welding and Cutting Processes 20 hours

• operate GMAW and SMAW equipment
• perform the FCAW and MCAW process
• evaluate SAW and its applications
• evaluate stud welding and its applications
• operate air carbon arc cutting equipment
• operate oxy-fuel cutting equipment to prepare components
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• continuing to provide opportunities to the apprentice to perform various welding processes such as
SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and MCAW
• where possible, exposing the apprentice to the equipment and techniques for stud welding, Air
Carbon Arc Cutting and submerged arc welding
• continuing to provide opportunities for the apprentice to perform oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting to
prepare components

Level Three 8 weeks 240 hours

Quality Control 28 hours
• discuss the benefits of quality assurance
• identify documents typical to quality assurance
• discuss codes and standards
• discuss inspection methods and stages of inspection
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• discussing the benefits of a good quality assurance program, and discussing the pitfalls of a poor
quality assurance program
• ensuring the apprentice can complete quality assurance documentation; can identify quality control
systems, standards and codes; and has the ability to perform various inspection methods
• describing and providing examples for various standards of finishing

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 Drawing Interpretation 28 hours
• interpret complex welding symbols
• interpret structural drawings
• interpret tank drawings
• interpret vessel drawings
• interpret heat exchanger drawings
• interpret piping drawings
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• working with and monitoring the apprentice to ensure understanding of advanced drawings
including those for structural steel, tanks and pressure vessels
• demonstrating the development of miscellaneous fabrication drawings
• ensuring the apprentice can interpret complex welding symbols

Layout 16 hours
• perform parallel line development for fabrication
• perform radial line development for fabrication
• perform triangulation for fabrication
• perform layout for vessels including: shells, nozzles, fittings, heads,
flanges, saddles, skirts, re-pads
• perform layout for structural connections
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• offering hands-on opportunities to develop full scale template development including segmented
elbows, lateral connections, cones and transitions

Project Planning and Estimating 18 hours

• determine project plan and sequence of operations
• describe methods and processes of fabrication estimating
• select estimating method
• estimate material costs
• estimate labour time and costs
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• discussing the importance of determining an appropriate sequence of operations
• describing the various estimating methods
• identifying costs of production for estimating purposes
• demonstrating the estimating of time, material and overhead costs

Engineered Design 12 hours

• describe general considerations of design engineering
• describe the forces acting on buildings, bridges, and other load bearing
structures
• describe engineering solutions to design considerations and forces
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• explaining common types of stresses such as shear and tension
• identifying critical areas of stress on fabricated components such as trusses and beams
• identifying and explaining the stress flow patterns on beams, columns, stiffeners and reinforcing
pads

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 Shop Organization 12 hours
• describe the elements of good shop organization as defined by
considerations for safety, productivity and efficiency
• evaluate shop organization
• organize shop to suit project requirements
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• allowing the apprentice to plan equipment layout while explaining how it can effect productivity and
efficiency
• working with the apprentice to organize the shop for a particular project

Fitting and Fabrication – Theory 26 hours

• describe tank fabrication procedures and codes
Fitting and Fabrication – Shop 88 hours
• fabricate cones and transitions
• fabricate structural steel assemblies
• fabricate pressure vessel
• complete short run manufacturing project
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• offering opportunities for the apprentice to develop and demonstrate the application of fabrication
procedures for cones and transitions; structural steel assemblies
• continuing to expose the apprentice to tank and pressure vessel fabrication, further explaining
procedures and codes

Mathematics 12 hours
• use arithmetic
• use equation fundamentals
• use basic trigonometry
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
• constantly allowing the apprentice to increase their math skills with regards to the calculation of
areas, volumes, capacities, mass and linear measurements
• allowing the apprentice to calculate practical problems by performing estimating and other trade
specific calculations
• demonstrating the various trigonometry functions used by fabricators such as determining an angle
when two sides of a right angle triangle are known; or determining a side when an acute angle and
one side of a right angle triangle are known

12 On-the-Job Training Guide – Metal Fabricator (Fitter) –

August 2021
Consider apprenticeship training as an investment in the future of your company and in the future
of your workforce. Ultimately, skilled and certified workers increase your bottom line.

Get involved in the apprenticeship training system. Your commitment to training helps to maintain
the integrity of the trade.

Do you have employees who have been working in the trade for a number of years but don’t have
trade certification? Contact your local apprenticeship office for details on how they might obtain
the certification they need.

Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission

2140 Hamilton St Regina SK, S4P 2E3
Tel: (306) 787-2444
Fax: (306) 787-5105
Toll Free: 1-877-363-0536
Website: www.saskapprenticeship.ca

District Offices
Estevan (306) 637-4930
La Ronge (306) 425-4385
Moose Jaw (306) 694-3735
North Battleford (306) 446-7409
Prince Albert (306) 953-2632
Saskatoon (306) 933-8476
Swift Current (306) 778-8945
Yorkton (306) 786-1394

13 On-the-Job Training Guide – Metal Fabricator (Fitter) –

August 2021