Maintenance Fitter

Job Description:

Maintenance fitters install, service and repair industrial machinery and equipment.

Job Category:
Engineering & Construction

What you will do:

As a maintenance fitter, you could:

  • install pipework, valves, pumps and motors
  • carry out planned maintenance checks
  • find and fix faults
  • replace worn parts, reset instrument controls and clean machinery
  • respond to emergency breakdowns, for example on a factory production line

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
  • practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to make decisions about tools and equipment

As well as:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work on your own (drive)
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
  • thinking and reasoning skills
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you’ll need.

In the UK, for example, courses include:

  • Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology
  • Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
  • Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Apprenticeship

To become a maintenance fitter, you could do a Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You could also do an Engineering Fitter Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Work

You could start as an engineering operative or trainee craftsperson and do training on the job to become a fitter.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for maintenance fitter jobs if you’ve got a qualifications and experience in maintenance, such as:

  • mechanical engineering
  • pipefitting
  • welding
  • electrical engineering

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 42-44 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends on shifts.

You could work in a factory or at a client’s business. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression:

You could do further training while you work to become an engineering technician or site supervisor.

In the UK, for example, courses that could help you progress include:

  • Diploma in Engineering Maintenance
  • Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction Plant and Systems – Mechanical Fitting
  • Combined Diploma in Process Engineering Maintenance