Alberta · designated trade
Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
3-Period Apprenticeship ProgramOptional CertificationRed Seal
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 3-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Optional Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
A metal fabricator (fitter) lays out, prepares and assembles structural steel and metal vessels, containers and miscellaneous components. Metal fabricators (fitter) fabricate structural components for buildings, bridges and other load-carrying structures, and plates for tanks, boilers, pressure vessels and similar products.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 3 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1560 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in all periods
- Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended.
- Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here. Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1560 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 54 months and 7020 hours of verifiable Metal Fabricator (Fitter) work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($350.00).
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($350.00).
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice, or
- working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Metal Fabricator (Fitter) journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 60%
- Period 2: 75%
- Period 3: 90%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
Other public references
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