Home > Services > Career Maps and Pathways > Fabrication
Fabrication is the process of creating metal structures by cutting, bending, welding and assembling. It is a value added process that results in the creation of structural frames, handrails, ship building and repairs, staircase, piping networks, steel roofs etc.
The fabricator follows drawings and specifications to determine materials and tools needed to fabricate various products. They use a range of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand tools and operate machinery and welding equipment to produce assemblies.
Fabricating provides a rewarding career, with highly transferable skills sets that can be utilized in the construction, energy and maritime sectors. Fabricators can become entrepreneurs as well as work for local and multi-national agencies.
At this level he/she works under supervision to prepare the work area, materials, hand tools and equipment for fabrication. This process includes performing manual handling and lifting, marking and cutting materials for pre-fabrication, forming and shaping simple fabricated components and performing housekeeping in the work area.
He or she must also be able to perform health, safety and environmental procedures, respond to hazards and emergencies in the workplace and maintain an effective work environment.
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area, materials and equipment for fabrication of steel structures.
Perform manual handling that involves lifting, moving, shifting and relocating load to the designated location.
Mark and cut materials for pre-fabrication. This includes the preparation activities prior to cutting material, marking and cutting materials as well as restoring the work area.
Form and shape basic fabricated components. This includes the preparation activities, operation of basic equipment to form and shape material as well as restoration of the work area.
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Document use may include simple sketches and drawings
Critical Thinking
Computer Literacy
Continuous learning
Adaptability
Positive Work ethic
Acuity Test refers to an eye exam that measures how well you see at various distances
Hand- Eye Coordination
Follow instructions from supervisor
- Certificate in Fabrication from an Accredited Training Provider
The fabricator assistant or apprentice would have completed the apprenticeship training (minimum of 3 years). Thereafter, a competency-based skills test is used to determine competence to be considered as a B Class Fabricator.
The B Class Fabricator with a minimum of 7 years’ industrial experience who has successfully completed a competency-based skills test can progress or be considered as an A Class Fabricator.
Technical and Core Skills:
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area, materials and equipment for fabrication of steel structures.
Perform manual handling that involves lifting, moving, shifting and relocating load to the designated location.
Mark and cut materials for pre-fabrication. This includes the preparation activities prior to cutting material, marking and cutting materials as well as restoring the work area.
Form and shape basic fabricated components. This includes the preparation activities, operation of basic equipment to form and shape material as well as restoration of the work area.
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Document use may include simple sketches and drawings
Critical Thinking
Computer Literacy
Continuous learning
Adaptability
Positive Work ethic
Acuity Test refers to an eye exam that measures how well you see at various distances
Hand- Eye Coordination
Follow instructions from supervisor
Qualification and Experience:
Certificate in Fabrication from an Accredited Training Provider
Articulation:
The fabricator assistant or apprentice would have completed the apprenticeship training (minimum of 3 years). Thereafter, a competency-based skills test is used to determine competence to be considered as a B Class Fabricator.
The B Class Fabricator with a minimum of 7 years’ industrial experience who has successfully completed a competency-based skills test can progress or be considered as an A Class Fabricator.
At this level he/she can work alone or as a member of a team to perform marking and cutting materials, shaping and forming simple fabricated components, fabricating metal structures and components, repairing/replacing/modifying fabrications as well as preparing basic technical reports.
He or she performs health, safety and environmental procedures, responding to hazards and emergencies in the workplace as well as maintaining an effective work environment.
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area, materials and equipment for fabrication of steel structures.
Lay out materials to meets the job specifications for pre-fabrication. This includes preparing, checking, measuring, assembling and inspecting prefabrication components for alignment.
Use dimensions from engineering drawings, prints or plans to mark off/out fabrications and shapes.
Shape and form simple fabricated components such as cylinders and right angles.
Fabricate components from plate, pipe and formed section or sheet either on-site or in a typical fabrication workplace (field and shop fabrication).
Assess task requirements, prepare materials and undertake the repair, replacement or modification of the fabrication.
Perform basic rigging work associated with the removal and installation of fabricated components.
Prepare basic technical reports.
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Working in teams
Critical Thinking
Computer Literacy
Document use may include blueprints and drawings
Continuous Learning
Adaptability
Work Ethic
Acuity Test refers to an eye exam that measures how well you see at various distances.
Hand- Eye Coordination
Reliability
Planning and Organizing
Detail Oriented
Follow instructions from supervisor
Ability to Read and Interpret Drawings and Welding Symbols
Proficiency in Using Measuring Instruments
Identify various types of materials
Advanced Certificate /Diploma in Fabrication from Accredited Training Provider
National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) Journeyman Programme
NEC Craft Certificate/Diploma
Fabricator Supervisor
Fabricator Foreman
Structural Steel Fabricator
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Technical and Core Skills:
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area, materials and equipment for fabrication of steel structures.
Lay out materials to meets the job specifications for pre-fabrication. This includes preparing, checking, measuring, assembling and inspecting prefabrication components for alignment.
Use dimensions from engineering drawings, prints or plans to mark off/out fabrications and shapes.
Shape and form simple fabricated components such as cylinders and right angles.
Fabricate components from plate, pipe and formed section or sheet either on-site or in a typical fabrication workplace (field and shop fabrication).
Assess task requirements, prepare materials and undertake the repair, replacement or modification of the fabrication.
Perform basic rigging work associated with the removal and installation of fabricated components.
Prepare basic technical reports.
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Working in teams
Critical Thinking
Computer Literacy
Document use may include blueprints and drawings
Continuous Learning
Adaptability
Work Ethic
Acuity Test refers to an eye exam that measures how well you see at various distances.
Hand- Eye Coordination
Reliability
Planning and Organizing
Detail Oriented
Follow instructions from supervisor
Ability to Read and Interpret Drawings and Welding Symbols
Proficiency in Using Measuring Instruments
Identify various types of materials
Qualification and Experience:
Advanced Certificate /Diploma in Fabrication from Accredited Training Provider
National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) Journeyman Programme
NEC Craft Certificate/Diploma
Articulation:
Fabricator Supervisor
Fabricator Foreman
Structural Steel Fabricator
Sheet Metal Fabricator
At this level he/she performs a broad range of functions that includes supervising the fabrication process which includes marking and cutting materials for pre-fabrication, fabricating and installing metal structures and components as well as preparing advanced technical reports, coordinating team activities and ensuring that the fabrication activities are completed.
He or she must have the ability to follow health, safety and environmental procedures, responding to hazards and emergencies in the workplace as well as maintain an effective work environment.
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advanced technical reports.
Confirm the preparation of the work area, materials and equipment prior to the fabrication process.
Inspect the pre-fabrication lay out by preparing, checking, measuring, assembling and inspecting pre-fabrication components for alignment.
Monitor the marking and cutting of materials for pre-fabrication.
Supervise the fabrication and installation of metal structures and components.
Perform basic rigging work associated with movement of plant equipment.
Supervise process piping installation by coordinating and checking pipes, piping components, reviewing the installation plan/techniques and verifying and inspecting piping installation.
Supervise installation of valves by verifying materials, tools and equipment, coordinating and checking valves as well as supervising valve installation.
Written and Oral Communication
Working in teams
Problem solving
Document use may include Bill of Quantities
Teaching/ Continuous learning
Work ethic
Planning and organization
Quality Control/Quality Assurance (competency-based tests)
Time management
Supervisory Skills
Follow instructions from supervisor
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Advanced Certificate /Diploma in Fabrication from Accredited Training Provider
Considerable industry experience – minimum 10 years
- Workshop Superintendent/Manager
Technical and Core Skills:
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advanced technical reports.
Confirm the preparation of the work area, materials and equipment prior to the fabrication process.
Inspect the pre-fabrication lay out by preparing, checking, measuring, assembling and inspecting pre-fabrication components for alignment.
Monitor the marking and cutting of materials for pre-fabrication.
Supervise the fabrication and installation of metal structures and components.
Perform basic rigging work associated with movement of plant equipment.
Supervise process piping installation by coordinating and checking pipes, piping components, reviewing the installation plan/techniques and verifying and inspecting piping installation.
Supervise installation of valves by verifying materials, tools and equipment, coordinating and checking valves as well as supervising valve installation.
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Working in teams
Problem solving
Document use may include Bill of Quantities
Teaching/ Continuous learning
Work ethic
Planning and organization
Quality Control/Quality Assurance (competency-based tests)
Time management
Supervisory Skills
Follow instructions from supervisor
Qualification and Experience:
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Advanced Certificate /Diploma in Fabrication from Accredited Training Provider
Considerable industry experience – minimum 10 years
Articulation:
Workshop Superintendent/Manager
At this level he/she manages the personnel and all relevant activities involved in the departmental operations. Assures the process, production requirements and product quality expectations and customer needs are met. This involves developing and enforcing policies and procedures for production methods, quality and safety.
Provides direction and leadership to the departmental team to achieve high quality, productivity and commit to safety standards.
Ensures compliance to production schedules, process quality, efficiency standards, budget, inventory and data reporting.
Facilitates employee hiring, training/re-training, development and performance evaluations. Administers corrective action as needed. Ensures training and education on specific tasks and company related functions. Maintains training matrix.
Facilitates improvement through team involvement, training and education on specific tasks, safety issues and other company-related functions.
Submits department budgets and adheres to them. Assists in the capital equipment implementation process.
Develops accurate and cost-effective bills of materials for projects.
Responsible for maintaining adequate supply of departmental shop supplies and materials.
Interpret specifications, blueprints and job orders as needed for area of supervision.
Assures proper maintenance of equipment, tools and housekeeping.
Provides effective coaching to progressively improve performance.
Prepare project progress records and reports to management.
Inspect the pre-fabrication lay out by preparing, checking, measuring, assembling and inspecting pre-fabrication components for alignment.
Monitor the marking and cutting of materials for pre-fabrication.
Ability to supervise the fabrication and installation of metal structures and components.
Perform basic rigging work associated with movement of plant equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Skill in the use of Project Management Software, Auto CAD
Skill in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Strong working knowledge of fabrication
Knowledge of relevant codes, standards, specifications and drawings
Time Management
Detailed oriented
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant technical discipline
Minimum 15 plus years’ experience in fabrication/welding environment
Train the Trainer Certificate
Diploma in Project Management
Use Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Computerized Engineering drawings software Auto CAD
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Piping Design Engineer
Competencies Required
Provides direction and leadership to the departmental team to achieve high quality, productivity and commit to safety standards.
Ensures compliance to production schedules, process quality, efficiency standards, budget, inventory and data reporting.
Facilitates employee hiring, training/re-training, development and performance evaluations. Administers corrective action as needed. Ensures training and education on specific tasks and company related functions. Maintains training matrix.
Facilitates improvement through team involvement, training and education on specific tasks, safety issues and other company-related functions.
Submits department budgets and adheres to them. Assists in the capital equipment implementation process.
Develops accurate and cost-effective bills of materials for projects.
Responsible for maintaining adequate supply of departmental shop supplies and materials.
Interpret specifications, blueprints and job orders as needed for area of supervision.
Assures proper maintenance of equipment, tools and housekeeping.
Provides effective coaching to progressively improve performance.
Prepare project progress records and reports to management.
Inspect the pre-fabrication lay out by preparing, checking, measuring, assembling and inspecting pre-fabrication components for alignment.
Monitor the marking and cutting of materials for pre-fabrication.
Ability to supervise the fabrication and installation of metal structures and components.
Perform basic rigging work associated with movement of plant equipment.
Employability Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Skill in the use of Project Management Software, Auto CAD
Skill in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Strong working knowledge of fabrication
Knowledge of relevant codes, standards, specifications and drawings
Time Management
Detailed oriented
Qualification and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant technical discipline
Minimum 15 plus years’ experience in fabrication/welding environment
Train the Trainer Certificate
Diploma in Project Management
Use Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Computerized Engineering drawings software Auto CAD
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Articulation:
Piping Design Engineer
At this level he/she is responsible for creating piping models in 3D software based on input from engineers and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDSs) and prepare drawings in accordance with sales proposals, company and industry standards, and customer specifications. Survey existing piping systems and examine field conditions as required to support development and completion of projects. In-depth knowledge of general construction for piping systems is essential.
Commit to safety procedures.
Coordinate with engineers and other disciplines working on the models.
Ability to estimate task duration and commit to completing work on-time.
Work with an engineering design team on high-tech industrial manufacturing facility projects.
Develop detail material plus purchase parameters for piping and fittings.
Responsible for piping layout, stress analysis, piping procurement activity and hanger design.
Responsible for preparing piping bulk quantity forecast for customer proposals.
Provide piping design analysis.
Plan, arrange and schedule work activities for piping team.
Conduct calculations and evaluate design of industrial facilities.
Provide commissioning and construction support with site visits
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Personnel computer based skills – MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Team oriented
Customer oriented
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Maintaining project documentation
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
Working knowledge of relevant codes and standards
Minimum of 12 years of related work experience
AutoCAD Certification
Experience with pipe installation details and pipe supports desired
Industrial process piping and packaged skid design experience; required
Knowledge of ANSI Codes; required
Working knowledge of P&ID development and evaluation; required
Working knowledge Hydro testing procedures, pneumatic testing, bolt torqueing, valve types and applications and 3D modeling
Technical and Core Skills:
Commit to safety procedures.
Coordinate with engineers and other disciplines working on the models.
Ability to estimate task duration and commit to completing work on-time.
Work with an engineering design team on high-tech industrial manufacturing facility projects.
Develop detail material plus purchase parameters for piping and fittings.
Responsible for piping layout, stress analysis, piping procurement activity and hanger design.
Responsible for preparing piping bulk quantity forecast for customer proposals.
Provide piping design analysis.
Plan, arrange and schedule work activities for piping team.
Conduct calculations and evaluate design of industrial facilities.
Provide commissioning and construction support with site visits
Employability Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Personnel computer based skills – MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Team oriented
Customer oriented
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Maintaining project documentation
Qualification and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
Working knowledge of relevant codes and standards
Minimum of 12 years of related work experience
AutoCAD Certification
Experience with pipe installation details and pipe supports desired
Industrial process piping and packaged skid design experience; required
Knowledge of ANSI Codes; required
Working knowledge of P&ID development and evaluation; required
Working knowledge Hydro testing procedures, pneumatic testing, bolt torqueing, valve types and applications and 3D modeling