fitter job description

Some of the duties of fitters include: reviewing technical drawings: as a fitter, you assemble metal parts based on the provided blueprints. Hence, you read and interpret technical drawings provided by the engineers or manufacturers. You use technical drawings to measure the dimensions of stock metal and put the pieces together for optimal performance. preparing raw materials for assembling: as a fitter, you evaluate the designs, patterns and materials used to assemble heavy equipment. From the diagrams, you determine the metal stock and the best materials to use for the project. You also cut, grind and shape raw materials to meet the required specifications. assembling parts: you use specialised tools and machines to put various parts together. You also follow the technical drawing to ensure metal components are in the right places. After assembling, you check the metal parts for accuracy and fit. You use precision measuring tools to fit the parts correctly. You also test the functionality of heavy machinery after assembling. performing routine maintenance and repairs: as a fitter, your knowledge of how machines operate helps you perform routine maintenance tasks. In case of equipment malfunction or breakdown, you can easily diagnose the issues and perform the necessary repairs. Sometimes, you are expected to perform repairs during manufacturing to prevent downtime. cleaning the work area: as a fitter, it is important to keep your work area clean and clear of raw materials to prevent accidents. Since equipment can cause damage, you are expected to follow the work safety standards recommended by Safe Work Australia .

Fitters typically work in industrial and production environments. You can work in manufacturing and vehicle assembling industries or mining companies. The work environment depends on the particular industry you work in, but you are likely to spend most of the day indoors. You assemble machine parts and heavy equipment in a controlled environment to ensure quality work. Some fitters work outdoors, especially in mining industries where you are expected to assemble mining equipment on-site. Due to the risks associated with your duties, you require safety gloves, goggles and protective clothing. Working as a fitter involves minimal travelling.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include mechanical fitters , maintenance fitters and pipefitters . You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical engineers and mechanics , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, turners, industrial electricians and plumbers.

The typical work schedule of a fitter in Australia is over 40 hours a week in a full-time position. Aside from standard business hours, Monday to Friday, you are likely to work evenings and weekends. In some manufacturing companies, fitters work in shifts to perform repairs and maintenance tasks without interrupting the production process. Some companies provide part-time positions for fitters.

As a fitter, you start as an apprentice and improve your skills and experience to reach a senior-level position. Alternatively, you can specialise in assembling specific types of heavy machinery and equipment. For instance, you can become a mechanical fitter, diesel fitter, maintenance fitter, or a fitter and turner. The demand for fitters in Australia is projected to increase by 2.2% in the next five years, giving you a range of promising career paths.

advantages of finding a fitter job through randstad

Finding your fitter job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a fitter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the duties of a fitter?

As a fitter, you review blueprints and technical drawings to determine the dimensions of metal parts. You also prepare the metals by cutting, grinding and shaping them to match the desired function. When the materials are ready, you attach the parts of heavy equipment and test them to ensure they function as expected.

what is the difference between a mechanic and a fitter?

As a fitter, you construct or assemble metal parts to ensure machines work as expected. On the other hand, a mechanic specialises in repairs and the upkeep of machinery, vehicles and equipment. While a fitter can also perform repairs and maintenance, they have minimal expertise in repairs compared to mechanics.

is fitter a good trade?

Working as a fitter is a promising career with a projected job growth rate of 2.2%. You earn a relatively good remuneration package, depending on your experience and educational qualifications.

what is the salary of a fitter in Australia?

As a fitter, you earn an average salary of $90,000 per year. Depending on your experience and qualifications, your salary package ranges from $80,000 to $100,000. Your specific area of specialisation may also influence your earnings.

how do I become a fitter?

To gain relevant mechanical knowledge and become a fitter in Australia, pursue a Certificate III in engineering — mechanical trade. Complete the required courses in a college or through an apprenticeship and gain practical on-the-job experience.

how do I apply for a fitter vacancy?

Applying for a fitter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

fitter

what is a fitter?

As a fitter, you assemble metal parts to put together machines used in production or manufacturing. You use technical drawings to determine the position of various components and utilise a range of tools and engineering techniques to fit parts together. Since you fit fabricated metal parts, you determine the suitable material or method for assembling the parts. You also set controls on various machining tools, like textile machines, hand tools, and cutting or shaping tools.

Your duties revolve around forming metal stock and casting to cut, press, and grind metal to the desired shape or size. After preparing the metallic parts, you check for accuracy, clearance, and fit to ensure a perfect fit. Aside from assembling and testing machine functionality, you also perform routine maintenance tasks. As a fitter, you repair and maintain the mechanical parts of workplace machines.

Since the role involves fitting complex machine parts, you should be attentive to details. You rely on your attention to detail to assemble fabricated parts in the exact dimensions provided in the technical drawings. During testing, you pay attention to every aspect of the machine, including sounds, to ensure it runs as expected.

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average fitter salary

The average remuneration package of a fitter in Australia is $90,000 per year. Typically, your earnings fluctuate based on various factors, such as experience, academic qualifications and the complexity of your role. Entry-level fitter roles attract a salary of $80,000 per year. On the other hand, experienced fitters take home over $100,000 per year.

what factors affect your salary as a fitter?

As a fitter, your remuneration package depends on your expertise. When you have over three years of experience, you can negotiate a higher salary. Fitters who just completed their apprenticeships earn a lower salary due to their minimal experience and qualifications.

Your area of specialisation may also influence your earnings. Fitters who work on diesel engines and assemble diesel vehicles or machinery often take home an average salary of $145,000 per year, while mechanical fitters earn $105,000 per year. Thus, the complexity of the role determines the remuneration package. For instance, a general fitter may require additional training to work as a diesel fitter.

The size of the company and the industry you work in will also influence your earnings. When you work in manufacturing or mining companies, you take home a higher salary due to the complexity of your role. A large company also pays more due to the vast number of resources available.

Want to know what you will earn as a fitter? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of fitters

Fitters can specialise in assembling specific types of machines or heavy equipment. As a diesel fitter, you assemble and disassemble diesel engines in trucks, vehicles and heavy machinery. You also inspect assembled equipment and test their functionality. Due to your knowledge and expertise in diesel engines, you perform repairs and maintenance tasks.

Mechanical fitters specialise in repairing and installing heavy machinery and equipment. You work in industrial settings that rely on heavy machinery and use technical drawings to assemble the machines. You're able to repair, maintain and assemble any type of machine.

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working as a fitter

Working as a fitter involves assembling metallic parts together. If you enjoy practical work, read on to discover the duties, work environments and job outlooks of a fitter in Australia.

fitter job description
Some of the duties of fitters include:
- reviewing technical drawings: as a fitter, you assemble metal parts based on the provided blueprints. Hence, you read and interpret technical drawings provided by the engineers or manufacturers. You use technical drawings to measure the dimensions of stock metal and put the pieces together for optimal performance.
- preparing raw materials for assembling: as a fitter, you evaluate the designs, patterns and materials used to assemble heavy equipment. From the diagrams, you determine the metal stock and the best materials to use for the project. You also cut, grind and shape raw materials to meet the required specifications.
- assembling parts: you use specialised tools and machines to put various parts together. You also follow the technical drawing to ensure metal components are in the right places. After assembling, you check the metal parts for accuracy and fit. You use precision measuring tools to fit the parts correctly. You also test the functionality of heavy machinery after assembling.
- performing routine maintenance and repairs: as a fitter, your knowledge of how machines operate helps you perform routine maintenance tasks. In case of equipment malfunction or breakdown, you can easily diagnose the issues and perform the necessary repairs. Sometimes, you are expected to perform repairs during manufacturing to prevent downtime.
- cleaning the work area: as a fitter, it is important to keep your work area clean and clear of raw materials to prevent accidents. Since equipment can cause damage, you are expected to follow the work safety standards recommended by Safe Work Australia.
work environment

Fitters typically work in industrial and production environments. You can work in manufacturing and vehicle assembling industries or mining companies. The work environment depends on the particular industry you work in, but you are likely to spend most of the day indoors. You assemble machine parts and heavy equipment in a controlled environment to ensure quality work. Some fitters work outdoors, especially in mining industries where you are expected to assemble mining equipment on-site. Due to the risks associated with your duties, you require safety gloves, goggles and protective clothing. Working as a fitter involves minimal travelling.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include mechanical fitters, maintenance fitters and pipefitters. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical engineers and mechanics, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, turners, industrial electricians and plumbers.
work schedule

The typical work schedule of a fitter in Australia is over 40 hours a week in a full-time position. Aside from standard business hours, Monday to Friday, you are likely to work evenings and weekends. In some manufacturing companies, fitters work in shifts to perform repairs and maintenance tasks without interrupting the production process. Some companies provide part-time positions for fitters.
job outlook

As a fitter, you start as an apprentice and improve your skills and experience to reach a senior-level position. Alternatively, you can specialise in assembling specific types of heavy machinery and equipment. For instance, you can become a mechanical fitter, diesel fitter, maintenance fitter, or a fitter and turner. The demand for fitters in Australia is projected to increase by 2.2% in the next five years, giving you a range of promising career paths.
advantages of finding a fitter job through randstad
Finding your fitter job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a fitter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

If you want to become a fitter, you require a trade qualification combined with an apprenticeship. Complete a Certificate III in Engineering, majoring in mechanical trade at a registered Technical and Further Education (TAFE) provider. Alternatively, pursue an apprenticeship in mechanical trade that combines coursework with on-the-job training. When you complete the apprenticeship, continue gaining experience as a qualified tradesperson to move into specialised roles, such as diesel fitter or maintenance fitter.

Depending on the industry you work in and the duties you perform, you may require additional licensing to work as a fitter. Consider getting a forklift licence or a licence for working in confined spaces and working at heights. Some employers may even require an elevated work platform licence.

fitter skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of fitters include:

technical knowledge and skills: as a fitter, you use specialised tools to assemble mechanical parts. Hence, it is important to have mechanical and engineering knowledge to understand how machines operate. Your technical skills help you construct, repair and maintain equipment parts.
maths skills: as a fitter, you require a strong aptitude for maths. When assembling metal parts, you rely on precise measurements to measure machine parts and evaluate complex blueprints or technical diagrams. Your mathematical skills help you assess the best techniques for assembling parts.
hand-eye coordination: as a fitter, you rely on hand tools to fit equipment and machinery. Since you spend most of your time working with your hands and using tools, having manual dexterity and practical skills can minimise the chances of accidents.
communication skills: you rely on communication skills to explain technical diagrams and relay important instructions to other professionals. You must communicate effectively and have good writing skills to document the process and explain maintenance tasks.
attention to detail: as a fitter, you assemble fabricated parts. Paying attention to details is important to ensure precise dimensions on the diagrams and the proper shaping of metals before putting the parts together. Your attentiveness to details also helps you avoid accidents and maintain work safety.

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FAQs about working as a fitter

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a fitter.

what are the duties of a fitter?

As a fitter, you review blueprints and technical drawings to determine the dimensions of metal parts. You also prepare the metals by cutting, grinding and shaping them to match the desired function. When the materials are ready, you attach the parts of heavy equipment and test them to ensure they function as expected.
what is the difference between a mechanic and a fitter?

As a fitter, you construct or assemble metal parts to ensure machines work as expected. On the other hand, a mechanic specialises in repairs and the upkeep of machinery, vehicles and equipment. While a fitter can also perform repairs and maintenance, they have minimal expertise in repairs compared to mechanics.
is fitter a good trade?

Working as a fitter is a promising career with a projected job growth rate of 2.2%. You earn a relatively good remuneration package, depending on your experience and educational qualifications.
what is the salary of a fitter in Australia?

As a fitter, you earn an average salary of $90,000 per year. Depending on your experience and qualifications, your salary package ranges from $80,000 to $100,000. Your specific area of specialisation may also influence your earnings.
how do I become a fitter?

To gain relevant mechanical knowledge and become a fitter in Australia, pursue a Certificate III in engineering — mechanical trade. Complete the required courses in a college or through an apprenticeship and gain practical on-the-job experience.
how do I apply for a fitter vacancy?

Applying for a fitter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

fitter.