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1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, V3J 0M6| Phone: 604-939-9201| Contact Us
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
Learning for a Lifetime
Metal Fabricator

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Occupation Description: 
Metal Fabricators (Fitters)​ build, assemble and repair products made of steel or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. They must be familiar with the properties of metal and know how to operate specialized metalworking machines. Metal Fabricators can work for sheet metal fabrication and welding shops, and for manufacturers of structural steel, boilers, plate workers, heavy machinery and transportation equipment. They can work for shipbuilding companies and for welding, ironwork and sheet metal work contractors. Metal fabrication is a good foundational skill to have in many rapidly evolving industries, such as aviation. The work of a Metal Fabricator is often intricate and highly precise.

Application Process/Steps

  • November 1 - (pre) Spring Break​
    • look over all the information below and in the right column - get a good
       understanding of the pre-reqs, expectations, time commitment, ​​ ​reading, math, training
      , etc​
      • if you have no questions, please apply for the program(s)
      • ​still have questions? ​book an appointment to talk to the district
         coordinator, Doug MacLean, to learn more: Booking App​
    • student competes the SD43 application (top link in the right column)
    • submits to your high school counselor (usually in gr 11 for the gr 12 school year)​ 
  • (post) Spring Break - late April
    • personal interview/conversation with district coordinator 
  • mid-May into June
    • students are conditionally accepted (or not) into programs (notified by email) 
    • applicable enrolment at the training site is made (by district coordinator)
    • counselors will adjust timetables accordingly​​ for following school year
Students: feel free to contact Doug via email (​dmaclean@sd43.bc.ca) or text/call (604-341-8977) at anytime during the application process.

Time Commitment
  • 2 intakes:  early September and early February
    • ​Due to CoVid - no Sept intake; Feb intake has moved to Mar intake
  • 23 weeks long (no Spring Break for February intake)
  • 5 days a week:  Monday to Frida​y
  • 7.00am to 1.30pm

Student Eligibility

  • limited 2-3 Coquitlam SD43 students per intake
  • students typically take this program in their grade 12 year after taking all the necessary/core grade 11 subjects
  • students must begin a program prior to June 30 in th​eir graduation year
    • ex 1:  a grade 12's program begins in March and runs for 23 weeks - this is okay for a grade 12 student​ to participate in
    • ex 2:  a program will begin in September after a grade 12 has graduated - this is not okay and that ​current grade 12s should not apply as they will not be accepted
  • unfortunately, this program is not available to "International students" ​

Student Cost

  • tuition-free, but students will need to pay about $400 for course materials, textbook, resources, etc

Location​​ & Transportation

  • BCIT "Burnaby Campus" - 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
  • Transportation, to and from the training site, is the responsibility of the parent/guardian
    • Skytrain is the best transportation option
      ​(Skytrain to Brentwood Mall, transfer to bus for final stretch)

Pre-Requisites

  • plan to complete Language Arts 12
  • good li​teracy and numeracy skills
  • excellent attendance + lates record while in high school
  • ability to stand on your feet for extended periods of time

Skills + Attributes​

  • passion for working with heavier gauge metal
  • enjoy working with welding​
  • keen eye for design
  • attention to detail​