Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Structural metal fabricators and fitters fabricate, position, align and fit parts of structural metal products.
Structural metal fabricators and fitters fabricate, assemble, and install steel and other metal components according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
Metal fabricators fabricate and fit metal structures. They create metal pieces to complete projects, ensuring that they are correctly positioned and meet the project's needs. Fitters study and analyse engineering drawings before the fabrication process, using computers to create designs before moulding metal into specific shapes. A metal fabricator assesses safety after the metal structures have been put into place, and follows strict safety regulations to prevent accidents.
Structural metal fabricators and fitters examine metal components and stock to determine project compatibility, conduct measurements using hand tools, and clean up machines after use. They operate fabricating machines, moving parts into position using welding torches and other specialized tools. They analyse the proposed material list before ordering supplies.
Metal fabricators and fitters are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants to perform tasks of fabricated structural metal manufacturing and shipbuilding companies. They report their progress to the structural manager or supervisor in their department.
This job can be taken up after completion of secondary school. On the job training is provided by more experienced employees, and an apprenticeship program can last over four years. Fitters should pay attention to detail, be problem solvers, and work in a team environment to accomplish a task promptly.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Maintenance Fitter in Mechanical
- ITI Course Fitter Structural
Tasks
- Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
- Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
- Tack-weld fitted parts together.
- Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
- Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
- Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
- Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
- Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
- Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
- Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
Progression Routes
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