Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Harmonized
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Red Seal apprenticeship pathway |
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Domestic applicants only |
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Overview
Build on your metalworking skills while working toward your Interprovincial Red Seal designation.
The curriculum mixes theory with hands-on learning to prepare you for a successful career in the metal trades.
You'll learn:
- Thermal cutting
- Bend allowances
- Blueprint reading
- Component fabrication
- Welding processes
Important: Strong math, reading and writing skills are essential for success in this program. NIC offers refresher or upgrading classes to help you build a strong foundation to excel.
Foundation vs. apprenticeship
There are two pathways to your red seal certification.
Foundation
A certificate program that gives you the basic knowledge and skills to enter a trade. You don't need an employer/sponsor.
Apprenticeship
This pathway combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Pick this option if you're working and sponsored by a company registered with SkilledTradesBC.
Requirements and courses
Supplies
You are also responsible for having the following basic supplies:
- CSA approved safety glasses with side shields
- Hearing protection (form fitted or disposable earplugs)
- CSA Steel toe leather boots
- Sharp electronic calculator (# EL-520WBBK or EL-520X)
- HB pencils
- Hi-lite marker
- Two 2” binders and note paper
- Drafting equipment (available at the NIC Campus Store)
- Set square - 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler 964 12-60
- Set square - 45/45/90 degree, Staedtler 964 12-45
- Scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler 987 18-31
- Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
- Drawing compass, 559-02
- Good quality white eraser
- Non-mechanical pencils in: .3mm lead in 6H lead; .5mm in 2H & 4H lead; .9mm in 2H lead
- Staedtler flexible line marker 571 60-400
- Sellstrom clear full-face shield with tinted flip up visor – shade 5 (optional, see instructor)
- Tip cleaners (long sets)
- Striker (3 flint style)
- Cotton work clothes
- Leather jacket and apron (see instructor before purchasing)
- Welding gloves (finger style)
- Welding hat
- Welding helmet (see instructor before purchasing)
- Cutting goggles (must fit over safety glasses) or full-face shield with flip up shade 5 cutting lens
- Wire feed pliers (optional - replaces slip joint pliers and diagonal cutters)
- Wire brush
- Chipping hammer
- Tape measure both imperial and metric — check with instructor prior to purchasing
In addition, NIC offers shop tools to students for a $100 refundable deposit, separate from tuition. You'll get the deposit back at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in good condition. Proof of payment from the Registration office is required to receive tools.
Careers
This education pathway will help you get ready to become a Red Seal certified Metal Fabricator.
$66,906*
Annual median estimated earnings for metal fabricators in BC.
Career profile*Based on WorkBC data
Costs
Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.
Curious about funding?
Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.
How to apply
Apply for this program through EducationPlannerBC. After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.
Questions? We’re with you along the way. To contact a recruiter, email futurestudents@nic.bc.ca.
“I couldn’t have been happier choosing NIC. The staff, the alumni and the faculty were bar none some of the best people and instructors that I’ve had. I’ve gone to university in the past and I enjoyed this program a lot more. I had previous industry experience, so I was also able to help my classmates."
Levi Bauder - NIC Carpentry Apprenticeship alum
"I have a job waiting for me at JM’s Mobile Welding in Port Hardy. I’m excited to use the skills I’ve learned at NIC to help further my career in welding and metal fabrication."
Michael Gravelle - NIC Welding Level B alum
"The student-to-instructor ratio is low, so you get a lot of hands-on time and time to ask questions and really delve into the materials. I would definitely recommend coming here."
Cassandra Kuryliak - NIC Plumbing Apprenticeship alum
"I am really enjoying pursuing my career as an electrician. My NIC training has helped to prepare me with the knowledge to feel confident that I will succeed in the industry. Having access to a great trades training facility and the expert faculty has made a big difference."
Jennie Lawrence - NIC Electrician Apprenticeship Harmonized alum
Your path to Red Seal Certification
Frequently asked questions
Trades training prepares students for hands-on careers in skilled trades such as construction, mechanics, electrical work, plumbing, culinary and more. Programs combine classroom learning with practical, industry-specific skills.
NIC’s trades programs include:
- Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation
- Automotive Service Technician Foundation
- Carpentry Foundation
- Electrician Foundation
- Fabricator-Welder Foundation
- Furniture and Joinery
- Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
- Instrumentation and Electrical Automation
- Motor Sport and Power Equipment (motorcycle) Foundation
- Plumbing and Piping trades Foundation
- Parts and Warehousing Foundation
- Trades Sampler
- Welder Foundation
Typically, NIC offers:
- Pre-apprenticeship (Foundation) programs: Level 1 Foundation training to prepare for entry-level positions.
- Apprenticeship programs: A combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, Level 1-4.
- Specialized certifications: Training in specific skills or safety standards, such as welding or forklift operation.
The duration depends on the type of program, but generally are:
- Pre-apprenticeship programs: Level 1 training is about 24-36 weeks.
- Apprenticeship levels: Typically 5 to 17 weeks in-class training per level, with multiple levels required for certification. There are usually 4 levels required to complete before writing the Red Seal certification exams.
- Certifications: Often a few weeks to a few months.
- To find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.
- To register with your province’s apprenticeship authority.
- To attend required technical training at a college.
NIC can help with these steps, reach out to the Trades department at trades-technicalprograms@nic.bc.ca
Yes, trades students may qualify for:
- Government grants or tax credits.
- Apprenticeship incentives for both students and employers.
- Scholarships or bursaries specific to trades programs.
NIC can give you information around funding and scholarships, reach out to the Trades department at trades-technicalprograms@nic.bc.ca
Absolutely! Colleges and industries actively encourage diversity in trades and often offer supports, mentorship programs, and funding for women and underrepresented groups.
NIC has funding available, reach out to the Trades department at trades-technicalprograms@nic.bc.ca
