Overview
Are you looking for a rewarding and diverse career in trades? Become a metal fabricator with this apprentice program. As a sheet metal fabricator, you will build, assemble and repair products made of steel or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries, operating specialized metalworking machines. The Metal Fabrication apprenticeship program will train you to become a skilled metal fabricator, leading towards Red Seal certification (after successful program and work based training hours completion). CNC offers all three levels of technical training:
Level 1 (7 weeks)*
Level 2 (7 weeks)
Level 3 (6 weeks) + Red Seal Exam
*You may also receive credit for Level 1 by successfully completing the Metal Fabricator Foundation Program
Technical training must be completed in sequence. It is recommended to complete a full year of work based training hours between levels to best prepare for the next level of technical training.
Careers
Metal fabricators are needed at:
- Sheet metal fabrication and welding shops
- Structural steel, boilers, plate workers, heavy machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing companies
- Shipbuilding companies
- Welding, ironwork and sheet metal work contractors
Training dates & how to apply
For up to date technical training dates at CNC visit tradestrainingbc.ca.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC visit Apply Trades.
About apprenticeship programs
Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom based learning (known as technical training) with on the job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career NOW instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.
In addition to earning wages while learning on the job, many apprentices have their technical training paid for by their company, and/or qualify for Employment Insurance while in school. Additionally there are a number of grants and tax credits available to both apprentices and employers. Visit itabc.ca to learn more.
Red Seal metal fabricators are certified to work across Canada, and may also have their credentials recognized internationally. Certified skilled tradespeople are in demand worldwide, leading to opportunities for international work experience or volunteer opportunities. Many tradespeople also are entrepreneurs, building businesses that may eventually employ others and give back to the local community.
- A Red Seal trade can also be a stepping stone to further education, management positions, or even returning to college as an educator teaching the next generation of tradespeople.
Governing bodies
Apprentice Metal Fabrication Courses
Learn to build, assemble and repair products made of steel or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries, operating specialized metalworking machines. Metal fabricators are needed at Sheet metal fabrication and welding shops Structural steel, boilers, plate workers, heavy machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing companies Shipbuilding companies Welding, ironwork and sheet metal work contractors
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
Visit Trades Training BC for the most up to date apprenticeship schedules.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Spring 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 1 (Fitter Harmonized) Feb 13, 2023 - Mar 31, 2023 |
| Fall 2022 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 3 (Fitter Harmonized) Oct 31, 2023 - Dec 9, 2023 |
The fine print
Once your employer has submitted an Apprentice and Sponsor Registration Form to ITA on your behalf you can apply to attend technical training at CNC. Many of our apprenticeship programs have waitlists so we encourage you to apply early.
ITA doesn’t require Metal Fabrication apprentices to have completed a required number of work-based-training hours to attend technical training. However, because apprenticeship programs are a unique blend of in-class and on-the-job training we encourage you to work with your employer to decide on a training schedule that best combines these two forms of training.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for apprenticeship technical training, you may be interested in the Metal Fabrication Foundation Program.
Limited admission
A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
- Tuition per level: $674.01
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.
Work BC offers financial support to apprenticeship students.
Service Canada offers a variety of financial supports for apprentices and their employers including tax credits, grants, and EI while attending technical training.
Apprentices may qualify for interest free loans of up to $4,000 per level of technical training through the Canada Apprentice Loan program.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities or trades training job board.