Description

This 23 week program students prepares students for employment as a metal fabricator apprentice. Students learn the interpretation of technical drawings and layout of metal components, cutting, burning, sawing, shear, punching, drilling, and shaping of those components, through to assembly and welding or fastening to create the finished product.  Practical projects are performed in a shop environment to develop the necessary habits concerning safety, time management, machinery, materials, and work skills necessary for the trade.

Students who complete the Foundation program are eligible for SkilledTradesBC credit in Metal Fabricator Level 1 apprenticeship and 450 work-based hours.

Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with SkilledTradesBC. When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Metal Fabrication Apprentice in-school technical training levels 2 and 3.

Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.

Who Studies Metal Fabrication/Fitter?

This program is suited for individuals that have good math and mechanical skills, and who enjoy fabrication and assembly from drawings and sketches. Physical demand can vary; there is a considerable amount of standing, lifting and need for hand-eye coordination. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/metal_fabrication

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for employment by structural steel, boiler and plate-work fabrication plants and by heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades

Department's website: kpu.ca/trades/metal_fabrication

Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU’s General university admission requirements, including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

• English:
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Completion of KPU’s Vocational Trades English Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 80%
• Mathematics:
  • Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Pre-calculus 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades Mathematics Assessment with a minimum threshold percentage of 63%

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school shop courses is an asset.
• International student Application for Admission requires approval of the Dean.

Satisfactory physical health is also recommended. Prior to applying, prospective students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Office of the Dean of Trades and Technology to discuss required skills and competencies, and Accessibility Services to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Curricular Requirements

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate personal safety equipment, including high-top steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses, safety gloves, welding gloves, respirator (silicone half-mask type with cartridges for organic vapours and particulate filters) and cotton coveralls. Students are also required to have hand tools and a tool box for shop use. A list of required tools, equipment or supplies will be provided by the instructor at the start of the program.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to receive a Citation in Metal Fabrication/Fitter and a Metal Fabricator's Logbook.

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to SkilledTradesBC in order for SkilledTradesBC to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.