Metal Fabrication Foundation

Why Choose North Island College?

• More opportunities. A certificate in metal fabrication allows you to increase your skills and your employability.
• Great facilities, great people. NIC's Welding programs have one of the most modern, well-equipped shops in BC. Instructors are qualified professionals with years of industry experience. Graduates have a very high success rate and are working as welders across Canada.
• Industry Recognized Training. NIC is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) approved training provider for this entry-level program in the Interprovincial (Red Seal) trade of metal fabricator.

Program Highlights

The Metal Fabrication Foundation program offers pre-apprenticeship training in metal fabrication but is also for welders who wish to broaden their skills for employment in this Red Seal trade. Metal fabricators build, assemble, and repair products made of steel and/or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. They must be familiar with the properties of metals and know how to operate specialized metalworking machines. Students will learn the principles, knowledge and skills involved in metal fabrication.

The 23-week Metal Fabrication Foundation program provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced skills and acquire the basic knowledge necessary for employment as an entry level metal fabricator. Metal fabricators build, assemble and repair products made of steel and/or other metals for use in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. They must be familiar with the properties of metals and know how to operate specialized metalworking machines.

On successful completion of this program and upon entering into an apprenticeship, graduates are eligible to receive technical training credit for level one and 450 hours of work based credit towards their apprenticeship hours requirement.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared for a career as a metal fabricator apprentice in industries such as metal fabrication shops, mining, oil and gas, construction, sawmills, boat building, and more.

Supply List

NIC is pleased to make tools available to students in exchange for a $100 refundable tool deposit, which is not included in your tuition. It will be returned at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in an acceptable condition. Tools will not be distributed without proof of payment from the Registration Office.

Students are also responsible for having the following basic supplies:

• Cutting goggles, with flip up lens or face shield with tinted flip up visor
• Clear safety glasses (regular style frame)
• Hearing protection (form fitted or disposable earplugs)
• Tip cleaners (long sets)
• Striker (3 flint style)
• Cotton work clothes
• Steel toed boots
• Leather jacket and apron (see instructor before purchasing)
• Welding gloves (finger style)
• Welding Hat
• Welding helmet (see instructor before purchasing)
• Adjustable wrench (Crescent 10”)
• Vice Grips (regular style, 10”),
• C clamp 10”
• Slip Joint pliers (10”)
• Diagonal cutters (9”)
• Wire feed pliers (optional – replaces slip joint pliers and diagonal cutters)
• Wire Brush
• Chipping Hammer
• Tape Measure 16’ x 1” (imperial/metric graduations) or separate imperial and metric tapes)
• 4 ½” grinder

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum of C in English 10 or NIC ENG 032, 033 & 034 or equivalent or successful NIC assessment testing in English; and
2. Successful completion of the NIC Metal Fabrication Assessment.
   • Note: Information about the Metal Fabrication Assessment is available through a Student Advisor online at Metal Fabrication Assessment Study Information.
3. Registered in C level welding the preceding September or completion of C, B or A or Apprenticeship Welding, or
4. Applicants with significant previous welding experience may be considered with instructor approval.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in math, science, physics, and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Program Requirements

• FBR-100 Program Orientation and Introduction
• FBR-101 Trade Math Problems
• FBR-102 Trade Tools and Equipment
• FBR-103 Oxy-Fuel Cutting
• FBR-104 Welding
• FBR-105 Basic Drafting
• FBR-106 Blueprint Reading
• FBR-107 Material Handling Equipment
• FBR-108 Structural Layout and Development Techniques
• FBR-109 Plate and Sheet Development
• FBR-110 Surface Preparation
• FBR-111 Projects

Completion Requirements

• To pass the program, a minimum average of 70% for all courses is required.