Maintenance Fitter
Job Description:Maintenance fitters install, service and repair industrial machinery and equipment.
Job Category: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
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