How to become a Fitter

Fitters are qualified tradespeople who shape, assemble, and fit machinery parts (generally made of metal). You might be putting together brand new parts as a Fitter and Turner, or repairing and maintaining old parts as a Maintenance Fitter.

If you like to work with your hands and have a mind for maths, this could be the perfect job for you.

About you:

Excellent problem solver
Fit and active
Good with your hands
Great maths skills
Precise and analytical
Safety minded
Quick thinking
Works well under pressure

The job:

Reviewing plans, drawings, and blueprints
Choosing appropriate materials and machining methods
Using tools to cut, file, plane, bore and drill metal
Fitting and assembling fabricated parts
Checking accuracy and fit of parts
Diagnosing issues with parts and repairing them
Performing general maintenance on machines
Ensuring WHS rules are strictly followed

Lifestyle Impact: Moderate

Part Time opportunities: Very low – only around 6% of Fitters work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
Average hours for full-time workers: 51 hours a week, which is above average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
Fitters’ salary (average) $80,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
Future career growth: Stable (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
You’ll be doing most of your work indoors in manufacturing plants and workshops, as well as some work out in the field.

Fitters are most in demand in these locations:

Around 62,200 people worked as Fitters in Australia in 2021 (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). There is huge demand for Fitters in Western Australia and Queensland. Most Fitters work in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction industries.

How to become a Fitter in Australia

To become a Fitter in Australia you will need to complete a relevant VET course, usually as part of an apprenticeship.

Step 1 – Complete Year 10 with a focus on English and Maths.

Step 2 – Find an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice, or consider a school-based apprenticeship.

Step 3 – Complete your VET qualification, usually a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, while getting on-the-job experience.

Step 4 – Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, start working as a fully qualified Fitter.

Step 5 – Consider specialising with further training.

Find out more here –

http://manufacturingaustralia.com.au/

Similar Careers to Fitter

Joiner

Carpenter

Surveyor

Engineer

Mechanic

Plumber

Find out more about alternative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do Fitters do?

Fitters are responsible for manufacturing and fitting machine parts.

Which industries employ Fitters?

Fitters are mostly employed in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction industries.

What options are there for career progression?

You can start out with a basic qualification, before choosing to specialise in a particular area, including Diesel and Heavy Machinery, Marine, Mining, Construction, and more.

Do I need to go to university to become a Fitter?

No, but you will need to complete a VET qualification and get some hands-on experience, preferably through an apprenticeship.

Where do Fitters work?

Fitters usually work for private businesses, but can also work for local councils and government bodies. With enough experience, you might even like to consider starting your own business.

What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Fitter?

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Fitter is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:

Get hands-on wherever you can – take a woodworking or shop class at school, offer to fix your mate’s broken bike, or even put together your own computer at home.
See if you can find work experience in manufacturing or a related field. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
Talk to a Fitter to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in construction or manufacturing.